Definitive ban on DJI drones in the US nears

The US Congress has passed a bill that could potentially ban the use of DJI drones.

The US House of Representatives has adopted the ‘Countering CCP Drones Act’, which places DJI drones on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Covered List. This could mean a definitive ban on the use of new DJI models in the US, as reported by the website Dronewatch.

The bill was introduced due to concerns over national security and economic risks, as DJI is accused of having ties with the Chinese government. Besides DJI, other Chinese brands like Autel Robotics and Anzu Robotics could also be affected.

The next step is approval by the Senate. This could signify a significant shift in the US drone market, where DJI currently holds a dominant position. At the same time, efforts are being made to strengthen the American drone industry.

Strengthening the American drone industry

In addition to limiting DJI’s influence, delegate Elise Stefanik also emphasizes the importance of bolstering the American drone industry. The current monopoly that DJI holds in the market is seen by many critics as strategically irresponsible. “It is crucial that we do not remain dependent on China for our drones,” says Stefanik. With the new legislation, there is hope to give the American drone industry a significant boost and enable it to offer competitive alternatives.