North Dakota Proposes $15M to Replace Chinese-Made Government Drones

North Dakota lawmakers are pushing forward with ambitious legislation to replace nearly 90% of state-owned drones manufactured in China, addressing mounting national security concerns about critical infrastructure surveillance. The proposed bill, introduced by Republican Representative Mike Nathe, would allocate $15 million to swap out potentially compromised unmanned aircraft systems and provide essential training for state personnel, reports North Dakota Monitor.

The initiative comes as federal agencies continue to warn about security risks associated with Chinese-manufactured drones, particularly those from DJI. A 2021 Department of Defense assessment specifically identified DJI products as potential national security threats, raising alarms about data collection and transmission capabilities.

“We have drones flying over oil fields, missile sites, Air Force bases, and agricultural land,” Nathe explained, highlighting the scope of vulnerable infrastructure under drone surveillance. The state currently operates 353 drones across various agencies and educational institutions, with Chinese manufacturers, predominantly DJI, accounting for nearly 90% of the fleet.

Several state organizations have already begun transitioning away from Chinese-made drones. North Dakota State University Extension Service is actively replacing its fleet with aircraft from the Blue sUAS Cleared List, a federal program designed to provide secure drone alternatives. Meanwhile, the state’s Forstverwaltung has completely ceased operating Chinese drones as of 2023.

The legislation includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage, reflecting the urgency of the security concerns. Governor Doug Burgum has thrown his support behind the initiative, calling for expedited consideration when the legislative session opens on January 7.

State Attorney General Drew Wrigley, whose Bureau of Criminal Investigation operates six Chinese-manufactured drones for law enforcement purposes, expressed strong support for the proposed changes. The drones currently assist with critical tasks like crime scene reconstruction and officer safety operations, highlighting the need for secure alternatives that can maintain these essential functions.

The move aligns North Dakota with federal security standards established by the National Defense Authorization Act and American Security Drone Act, which will prohibit federal agencies from operating drones manufactured in “covered foreign entities” starting December 2025. The state’s proactive approach demonstrates growing awareness of potential vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure surveillance and data collection.

The initiative raises broader questions about drone data security and the challenges of balancing technological capabilities with national security concerns. As state agencies increasingly rely on unmanned aircraft for essential operations, the push toward secure, domestically-approved platforms may set a precedent for other states grappling with similar security challenges.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​