In a significant legislative move mirroring actions in states like Florida, North Dakota is considering a bill that aims to replace its Chinese-manufactured drones due to growing national security concerns. Introduced by Representative Mike Nathe, the proposed legislation seeks to allocate $15 million to phase out these drones, almost 90% of which are currently used by state agencies and are manufactured in China.
The bill emerges against a backdrop of increasing state-level actions addressing the security risks associated with foreign-made drones. These concerns align with warnings from federal entities like the Department of Defense, which in 2021 identified DJI drones—a major Chinese manufacturer—as potential threats to national security. Congressman Nathe emphasized the critical nature of this transition, highlighting the substantial reliance on these devices within the state. "In North Dakota, we have drones going over oil fields, missile sites, Air Force bases, our agricultural land, everything," Nathe stated, underlining the nationwide security implications.
North Dakota is not alone in this initiative. Florida, in 2023, enacted a law banning public agencies from using drones produced by Chinese companies. These agencies now purchase drones from a vetted list maintained by the state’s Department of Management Services. Such measures reflect a broader trend among states to enhance security by eliminating potentially risky technological dependencies. These state initiatives correspond with federal directives like the National Defense Authorization Act and the American Security Drone Act, which will impose further restrictions on certain foreign-manufactured drones by December 2025.
The shift away from Chinese drones has already begun, with agencies like the North Dakota State University Extension Service transitioning towards the Blue UAS Cleared List, a roster of federally approved manufacturers. Similarly, the North Dakota Forest Service ceased using Chinese-manufactured drones in 2023, and other agencies like the Public Service Commission have substantially reduced their employment.
However, moving to new technology platforms is not without its challenges. While the federal government’s Blue sUAS Cleared List provides a selection of vetted options, it also limits the choices to those that meet robust Department of Defense standards. This can impact flexibility and operational capacity, as experienced by Florida agencies that have reported the logistical and financial burdens of retraining staff and replacing equipment.
The proposed North Dakota bill aims to address these issues comprehensively. Not only would it provide funding for new drone acquisitions, but it also allocates resources for employee retraining. Additionally, the legislation encourages the sharing of drones among agencies to optimize resource utilization, seeking innovative solutions to potential logistical hurdles.
Governor Doug Burgum has endorsed the bill, advocating for its swift passage and inclusion of an emergency clause to enact the measures immediately upon approval. Attorney General Drew Wrigley also supports the legislation, underscoring the importance of safeguarding sensitive data against foreign access. "The last thing the United States needs is for our enemies to have precise mapping of our infrastructure all across the United States," Wrigley cautioned.
As December 2025 approaches, state and federal agencies are in a race to comply with impending restrictions. North Dakota’s legislative efforts signify a broader national endeavor to secure drone operations and align local practices with evolving federal mandates. This proactive approach not only seeks to protect national infrastructure but also strives to maintain operational efficiency amidst significant technological shift. As states continue to navigate these complexities, the balance between security and functionality remains a pivotal priority.
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