DJI Urges Action on Overdue Security Audit
DJI, the world’s largest drone manufacturer, has publicly called for the U.S. government to begin the security assessment mandated by Section 1709 of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). In a recent blog post, DJI emphasized its readiness to participate in a rigorous, transparent, and evidence-based audit, reiterating its commitment to privacy controls and robust security features.
The NDAA requires a designated U.S. national security agency to evaluate whether drones manufactured by Chinese companies, including DJI, pose an unacceptable risk to national security or public safety. If the assessment is not completed by December 23, 2025, DJI’s products could be automatically added to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Covered List, restricting their use of U.S. communications infrastructure.
DJI’s Position and Concerns
DJI has repeatedly stated that it welcomes the opportunity for a fair and transparent review, having already submitted its products to certifications and security audits by industry experts and federal agencies since 2017. The company has formally reached out to relevant agencies and continues to encourage engagement, warning that inaction could have “devastating ramifications on the U.S. drone ecosystem”.
According to DJI, thousands of businesses, public safety officials, farmers, and entrepreneurs rely on its technology for safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations. The company argues that a failure to conduct the assessment would threaten jobs, stall innovation, and undermine public safety capabilities across the U.S. economy.
Context: Market Share and Regulatory Landscape
DJI currently dominates the global drone market, holding by some estimates over 70% of worldwide market share and approximately 80% of the U.S. market. Its drones are widely used in sectors such as filmmaking, agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and public safety due to their advanced technology and competitive pricing.
Recent executive orders from the Trump administration have focused on boosting the domestic drone industry, expanding beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, and streamlining regulatory approval for U.S.-made drones. Meanwhile, federal agencies and several states have enacted or are considering bans on drones manufactured in China, citing national security concerns. Supporters of these restrictions point to potential data vulnerabilities, while many civilian and commercial users worry that U.S.-made alternatives do not yet match DJI’s offerings in price or functionality
What’s Next
With the December 2025 deadline approaching, DJI continues to urge U.S. authorities to undertake the mandated audit, emphasizing the need for due process and evidence-based evaluation. The outcome of this process will have significant implications for drone operators, public safety agencies, and the broader U.S. drone ecosystem.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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