The 2025 defense spending authorization bill is moving forward with a provision aimed at banning products from the world’s largest drone-maker, China. The bill, which has bipartisan support, would create mechanisms for further oversight and prohibition of the use of Chinese drones while increasing drone supply chain resilience within the US and partner countries.
Key provisions include mandating an investigation into two Chinese drone manufacturers, DJI and Autel Robotics, with the aim of placing them on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) “Covered List,” which would prevent their use in telecommunications industries. Another section calls for the Department of Defense to regularly disassemble and analyze the components of DJI drones.
The ban has sparked concerns from both sides of the aisle, with some lawmakers arguing that it poses significant risks to national security and others advocating for stricter data security regulations instead. Republican Representative Elise Stefanik and Senator Rick Scott have introduced earlier anti-Chinese drone legislation, which received bipartisan support.
While some lawmakers see DJI drones as a threat to US national security, citing concerns over data access and surveillance, others acknowledge the significant benefits of Chinese-made drones, including their low cost and widespread adoption by public safety agencies. Brandon Karr, spokesperson for the Law Enforcement Drone Association (LEDA), supports stricter regulations but opposes an all-out ban on Chinese drone products.
The decision comes as the US faces increased scrutiny over its reliance on foreign technology and its impact on national security. As Carlos Gimenez, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s Transportation and Maritime Security Subcommittee, notes, “We have to go a little cold turkey on this one.” The outcome remains uncertain, with DJI yet to respond to requests for comment on the latest version of the bill.
Source: https://www.voanews.com/a/us-senate-to-vote-on-bill-that-fuels-possibility-of-chinese-drone-ban-/7905266.html