December 20, 2024
The fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was passed this month, outlining funding priorities for the U.S. Department of Defense. Notably, the Countering CCP Drones Act, aimed at banning Chinese drone manufacturers like DJI, was excluded from the final NDAA bill. This exclusion has significant implications for the technology and business sectors.
The Countering CCP Drones Act aimed to ban DJI drones by adding the company to a list of entities considered national security threats. Despite its initial inclusion in the proposed NDAA, the act was omitted in the final version, allowing DJI to continue its operations in the U.S. without new restrictions.
This decision was likely a compromise to avoid broader economic and political repercussions. Industry groups warned that a ban on DJI could hinder innovation and harm small businesses relying on affordable drone technology. DJI expressed gratitude to the drone community for their advocacy against the ban.
Proponents of the act argued that national security concerns should outweigh economic benefits. Despite the absence of the act, the NDAA includes provisions for a risk assessment of Chinese-made drones, which could impact DJI and Autel in the future. The larger implications highlight the challenge of balancing national security and economic interests in a global supply chain.
For more information, check the following sources:
- FY 2025 NDAA Conference Text: What Happened with the Countering CCP Drones Act
- H.R.6572 – Countering CCP Drones Act – Congress.gov
- 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Executive Summary
- All Info – H.R.2864 – 118th Congress (2023-2024): Countering CCP Drones Act
For now, DJI remains a major player in the U.S. market, with continued use by hobbyists, photographers, and professional agencies. However, future legislation could revisit the issue of DJI’s role in the U.S. market.
Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season and looking forward to working together in the new year!
LE Drones
