The Senate Armed Services Committee's version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has been released, and it does not include a proposed ban on new DJI drones from entering the U.S. market. This contrasts with the House of Representatives' version, which passed last month and included provisions to block the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from issuing new licenses to DJI due to national security concerns.
The House's NDAA version featured amendments from the Countering CCP Drones Act, mandating the FCC to add DJI to its "Covered List." Being on this list would prevent the FCC from approving new DJI equipment or software for use in the U.S. There was also the possibility of revoking existing authorizations, although this was seen as unlikely.
The Senate's omission of the DJI ban reflects a more cautious approach. DJI drones play a significant role in sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, and public safety, and an abrupt ban could disrupt ongoing projects and hinder progress in these areas.
Representatives from over 6,000 public safety agencies, police departments, and fire departments with drone programs across the U.S. recently expressed their opposition to the Countering CCP Drones Act in letters to the Senate Armed Services Committee, urging the exclusion of this provision from the NDAA.
Despite the current relief, the status of DJI drones in the U.S. remains uncertain. The Senate's version of the NDAA will now move to the floor for debate. If it passes, the House and Senate will need to reconcile their versions, potentially reintroducing the ban or negotiating a compromise with specific restrictions on DJI drones. The industry is keeping a close watch on these developments, with many companies preparing for various potential outcomes.
DJI has been the market leader for drone operators in the U.S. for years. The company has repeatedly denied allegations of data security risks and has taken measures to address these concerns, including disabling the option for U.S. drone pilots to sync their flight records with DJI's servers.
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