The US telecommunications regulator said on Monday that it is adding Shenzhen-based DJI, the world’s largest drone maker, to a list of companies determined to pose “unacceptable risks” to US national security, marking a significant escalation in Washington’s effort to crack down on Chinese drones.
In addition to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)’s “covered list”, this means that DJI, which accounts for over half of all US commercial drones, will not be able to obtain approvals to sell new drone models or components in the US.
The FCC said it was adding all foreign-made drones and components to its blacklist, meaning that Autel, another major Shenzhen-based drone manufacturer, would also be affected.
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The telecoms regulator noted that it made the decision after it received the results of a White House-convened inter-agency review of the risks posed by foreign-made drones on Sunday.
In a Monday statement, DJI said that it was “disappointed” with the decision and noted that “no information has been released regarding what information was used by the Executive Branch in reaching its determination”.
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