DJI Calls for Technical Assessment and Due Process in Response to NDAA Provisions

DJI has issued a detailed response to DroneXL regarding the drone-related provisions in the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), emphasizing the need for evidence-based evaluation while raising concerns about potential automatic restrictions. The company is “closely monitoring developments in Congress” while noting that “it is too early to provide detailed comments, as the NDAA still awaits a vote”.

Key Concerns Over Implementation

The drone manufacturer identified several critical issues with the current legislation’s approach. “Chinese drones are singled out for scrutiny and the current text does not designate a specific agency to undertake the required study,” DJI stated. The company specifically called for “the agency tasked with this work to be technical in nature in order to ensure the assessment is evidence-based.”

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Of particular concern is the automatic restriction mechanism built into the legislation. As DJI explains: “If no agency conducts a study to determine risk, the proposed legislation automatically adds DJI and another Chinese manufacturer to the FCC’s Covered List. This means that DJI would be prevented from launching new products in the US market through no fault of its own, but simply because no agency chose to take on the work of studying our products.”

Call for Fair Assessment Process

The company expressed serious concerns about procedural fairness, noting that “there is no provision for any right of reply or due administrative process.” Looking ahead, DJI stated: “If the NDAA passes with these provisions included, we call on a relevant technical intelligence agency to undertake an audit of our products, and we ask for a fair right of reply to any findings.”

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Commitment to Security and Innovation

DJI emphasized its ongoing commitment to the U.S. market and security measures, stating: “DJI reaffirms its commitment to the U.S. market and our customers. Since 2017, DJI has proactively submitted its products to regular independent security audits and expanded the range of built-in user privacy controls in our consumer and enterprise drones”.

The drone maker advocated for a balanced approach to security and innovation, expressing that they “support initiatives aimed at enhancing competitiveness and strengthening drone security, provided they are grounded in fairness, apply to the industry as a whole, and driven by technological considerations – not country of origin.”

Industry Impact and Market Freedom

DJI concluded its statement by emphasizing the importance of market choice and innovation: “Ensuring that opérateurs de drones have the freedom to choose the most reliable platforms for their operational needs is essential for fostering innovation and maintaining a competitive industry, both now and in the long term.”

The NDAA’s provisions represent a significant shift in U.S. drone policy that could reshape the industry landscape. The legislation’s scope extends beyond individual manufacturers to include subsidiaries, affiliates, and companies with technology sharing or licensing agreements. As the NDAA moves toward a final vote, stakeholders across the Industrie des drones are closely monitoring these developments and their potential impact on the U.S. drone market’s future.