First Responders Fight to Keep Chinese DJI Drones in US Skies

Police departments and rescue workers are pushing back against efforts to ban Chinese-made DJI drones in the United States, according to a recent report from The Wall Street Journal.

DJI Drones Dominate US Market

Chinese drone manufacturer DJI currently holds a 70-90% share of the American commercial, local government, and hobbyist drone market. First Responders argue that DJI drones are essential for their operations, outperforming American-made alternatives in critical situations.

Mountain Rescue Comparison

Kyle Nordfors, head of air operations for Weber County Sheriff Search and Rescue in Utah, tested both Chinese and American-made drones in mountain rescue scenarios. He found that the DJI drone successfully completed a rescue mission, while an American-made drone from Silicon Valley company Skydio failed to reach the mountaintop.

“I could not even physically get the American drone to the top of the mountain to begin the search,” Nordfors said.

National Security Concerns

Despite their popularity, DJI drones have been labeled a national security risk by politicians on both sides of the aisle, as well as military officials and federal regulators. Critics argue that reliance on Chinese drones creates a dangerous dependency that China could exploit in a conflict.

Proposed Ban and Industry Response

A bill passed in the House of Representatives aims to prohibit new models of DJI drones from receiving licenses to fly on American communication networks. The Senate has introduced a similar version of the ban.

DJI claims a ban could cost the US billions of dollars and impact thousands of jobs. The company has encouraged lobbying efforts and helped fund the Drone Advocacy Alliance to oppose the legislation.

American Alternatives Fall Short

US drone makers argue they have closed the technology gap with China, but users report that American drones often have inferior range, cameras, and radios compared to DJI products. Additionally, American-made drones can cost up to five times more than their Chinese counterparts.

Adam Bry, CEO of Skydio, defended his company’s drones, stating they are “easy to fly, hard to crash and capable.” However, supply chain issues and long wait times for American drones remain significant challenges.

Make your voice heard!

We strongly encourage our readers to get involved and make their voices heard by joining the Drone Advocacy Alliance. Your participation is crucial in shaping the future of drone legislation and to stop the Countering CCP Drones Act. To learn more and take action, visit the Drone Advocacy Alliance.

The Drone Advocacy Alliance is a coalition dedicated to protecting the rights of drone pilots and promoting the safe and responsible use of drones. A few months ago, DroneXL proudly partnered with this alliance to amplify efforts to advocate for fair regulations and ensure that the voice of the drone community is heard loud and clear.

DroneXL’s Take

The debate over Chinese-made drones in the US highlights the complex balance between national security concerns and the practical needs of first responders. While American drone manufacturers are making strides, the gap in performance and availability compared to DJI products remains a significant hurdle. As the Drone Industry continues to evolve, it’s crucial to find solutions that address both security concerns and the operational requirements of emergency services. Recent DroneXL articles have covered advancements in drone AI technology and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, which could potentially help US manufacturers catch up to their Chinese counterparts in terms of capabilities and reliability.

Photo courtesy of Weber County Search and Rescue in Utah