DJI Loses Pentagon Lawsuit: Time to Prepare for a Future Without DJI Drones in the U.S.

DJI, the world’s largest drone maker, suffered a major legal defeat recently. A U.S. federal judge rejected DJI’s bid to be removed from the Pentagon’s blacklist of companies allegedly tied to China’s military. In his ruling, Judge Paul Friedman stated there was “substantial evidence” that DJI contributes to China’s defense industrial base.¹ This means the Department of Defense (DoD) has grounds to view DJI as a national security concern. DJI had sued to clear its name, insisting it is “neither owned nor controlled” by the Chinese military, but the court was not convinced.¹

As a result of the lawsuit loss, DJI remains on the Pentagon’s blacklist (officially, the list of “Chinese Military Companies”). What does this blacklist do? Essentially, it’s a roster of firms the Pentagon believes work with China’s military, and being on it carries serious consequences. For one, placement on the list blocks DJI from obtaining U.S. government contracts, grants, and other funding programs. It also sends a red flag to American businesses: any U.S. company doing business with DJI could face increased scrutiny and security risks by association.¹

DJI expressed disappointment at the ruling. The company noted the judge upheld the blacklist based on a “single rationale” and hinted that this same reasoning could implicate many other tech firms that aren’t listed. Still, the bottom line is that DJI’s legal avenues to escape the blacklist are shrinking. The company said it is evaluating further legal options, but time is not on DJI’s side.¹

Why Did the Pentagon Blacklist DJI?

To understand the situation, it helps to know why U.S. authorities are so wary of DJI in the first place. DJI dominates the drone market – by some estimates, it sells over half of all drones in the U.S. commercial sector.¹ Its products are widely used by hobbyists, businesses, and government agencies alike. However, being a Shenzhen-based company, DJI has long been dogged by suspicions of close ties to the Chinese state. U.S. officials worry that Chinese-made drones could secretly send data back to Beijing or be manipulated for espionage or cyberattacks.

These fears aren’t new. Back in 2017, the U.S. Army already banned DJI drones citing security concerns. And in 2021, the Pentagon stated that DJI systems “may threaten national security.” Multiple U.S. agencies share similar anxieties. In 2022, the Department of Homeland Security’s cyber unit (CISA) warned that Chinese laws can force companies like DJI to hand over data to the government. In other words, even if DJI isn’t inherently malicious, the Chinese government could compel it to provide access to user data or drone feeds.⁴

DJI has tried to counter these allegations. The company implemented measures to assure customers and regulators that U.S. drone data stays private. For example, since mid-2024 DJI offers a “local data mode” on its drones for sensitive users – essentially a setting to stop transmitting any data over the internet. An independent security audit even found that when DJI drones are in local mode, they do not send data out.⁴ DJI also points out it doesn’t manufacture anything in China’s Xinjiang region (the focus of U.S. forced-labor sanctions) and says it has “nothing to hide” regarding its security practices.

Despite these reassurances, the prevailing stance in Washington has only hardened. U.S. officials often cite China’s 2017 National Intelligence Law, which can oblige any Chinese company to assist in state intelligence work. From the U.S. perspective, relying on DJI is just too big a risk if there’s any chance Beijing could tap into drone operations or data. This backdrop explains why DJI ended up on the Pentagon’s blacklist in the first place – and why the company’s defeat in court is alarming for its future.

Implications of the Blacklist: DJI’s Clock Is Ticking

For DJI, remaining on the Pentagon’s blacklist is more than a symbolic blow. Practically, it cements DJI’s exclusion from a huge swath of the market. Federal agencies and contractors will avoid DJI products to comply with regulations and to sidestep security risks. In fact, DJI noted in its lawsuit that being listed has already cost it deals and stigmatized it as a “national security threat,” even leading to bans by multiple federal agencies.¹ A drone supplier labeled a potential Chinese military asset is not exactly an appealing partner for U.S. businesses either. We can expect many security-conscious companies (especially those in critical infrastructure or with government ties) to likewise phase out DJI gear if they haven’t already.

Another big implication is on DJI’s ability to support its existing U.S. customers. If the government blacklist stays, DJI could be further cut off from resources that keep its products viable in the U.S. – think research partnerships, public funding programs, etc. It may also face more restrictions on importing its hardware and software updates. And that’s on top of other crackdowns DJI is facing, which we’ll discuss next.

From a broader perspective, the blacklist ruling adds momentum to a wider U.S. policy shift: reducing reliance on Chinese technology. DJI is arguably the poster child for this shift in the drone arena. Security teams in the public and private sector are now receiving a clear signal from Washington – be very cautious with DJI, if you use them at all. The lawsuit loss makes it that much easier for officials to justify outright bans and for organizations to justify dropping DJI from their approved tech lists.¹

Looming U.S. Ban on DJI Drones – Not If, But When?

Perhaps the most urgent question is: Will DJI drones be outright banned in the United States? After this latest development, a ban is looking increasingly likely – and soon. In fact, a de facto ban is already in motion due to legislation passed last year.

At the end of 2024, Congress included a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) aimed squarely at DJI (and a smaller Chinese rival, Autel Robotics). The law demands a formal security audit of these companies by late December 2025.⁴ If no U.S. national security agency steps up to complete a thorough audit of DJI by the deadline, DJI will automatically be added to the FCC’s “Covered List,” effectively banning its new products from U.S. markets.³ In plain English: absent a cleared audit, it becomes illegal to import or sell any new DJI drone model in the U.S. after that date. Time is literally running out — the clock strikes midnight for DJI on December 23, 2025, unless an audit miraculously intervenes.⁴

So far, no agency has volunteered to perform this audit, and DJI has been loudly (and somewhat desperately) calling for one. DJI insists it’s willing to be vetted (“nothing to hide,” as the company says) and it would prefer an audit over an automatic ban. But the silence from U.S. authorities suggests no audit is likely to occur in time. Lawmakers like Rep. Elise Stefanik, who authored the DJI ban provision, have been pressuring the intelligence community to act, but also seem perfectly content with the default outcome – banning DJI outright – if they don’t.³

In parallel, regulators have been tightening the noose through other means. The U.S. Commerce Department, for instance, signaled plans to restrict or block imports of Chinese-made drones as early as fall 2025.³ This would apply regardless of the NDAA audit issue. Commerce hasn’t revealed full details yet, but it falls in line with the administration’s broader strategy: they already finalized rules to bar most Chinese telecom and automotive tech, and drones are the next target. In July 2025, Commerce opened a national security investigation into drone components from foreign adversaries, which could lead to hefty tariffs or bans. By September, officials hinted new import rules could land any moment.³ It’s quite possible that even before the NDAA deadline hits, we’ll see regulations that choke off DJI’s supply of products to the U.S.

The squeeze on DJI is already being felt. You may have noticed it yourself: many popular DJI drone models have been out of stock at U.S. retailers for months. This isn’t a coincidence. DJI has admitted it’s struggling to import drones into the country. Since late 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) began blocking shipments of some DJI drones on suspicion they violate the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.² (DJI was accused of aiding surveillance of Uyghur Muslims in China’s Xinjiang region, an allegation the company vehemently denies.) DJI says this is a “misunderstanding” with customs, but as of mid-2025, the result was near-empty shelves – Best Buy, Amazon, and other major stores couldn’t restock many models. Even DJI’s flagship Mavic 4 Pro drone was never officially released in the U.S. in 2025, likely because it couldn’t clear regulatory hurdles. American DJI customers are finding it harder to get drones or even spare parts. If you send a DJI drone for repair now, expect long delays; the supply chain is drying up.²

To put it bluntly, DJI is being slowly pushed out of the U.S. market, ban or no ban. One technology consultant described a U.S. drone industry without DJI as akin to “the internet without Google” – that’s how dominant DJI has been.⁴ Indeed, DJI reportedly has controlled as much as 90% of the U.S. consumer drone market in recent years.⁴ But that era appears to be ending. Unless geopolitical tides change drastically (which seems unlikely in the near term), we are on the cusp of a DJI-less future in America. For users, especially enterprise and government users, the key takeaway is: don’t count on DJI being around. It’s time to plan accordingly.

Impact on Security Teams and Enterprise Drone Programs

If you’re a security team lead or an enterprise drone program manager, you might be asking: How does this affect us, and what should we do now? The short answer: it’s time to assess your exposure to DJI and have a transition plan in place.

Data Security Concerns: First, consider the nature of your drone operations. If you’re using DJI drones for anything security-sensitive – infrastructure inspections, surveillance, accident response, etc. – you should be aware that these devices are flagged as potential security risks by the U.S. government. Even if you personally trust DJI’s assurances, your clients, stakeholders, or regulators might not. Some organizations have already instituted internal policies against using DJI or other Chinese-made hardware for certain tasks. At minimum, security teams should enforce best practices if DJI drones are deployed: use DJI’s local data mode (to keep data off networks), avoid connecting the drone controller to sensitive enterprise networks, and limit usage to non-confidential applications. Essentially, treat DJI platforms as “untrusted” from a cybersecurity standpoint, because that’s how federal authorities view them.⁴

Operational Dependence: Next, take stock of how dependent your operations are on DJI technology. Many enterprises standardized on DJI over the past decade because frankly, DJI drones are excellent – reliable, feature-rich, and often far cheaper than competitors. “You can’t beat a DJI drone,” as one U.S. law enforcement official put it when worrying about losing access.⁴ This sentiment is widespread: police departments, utilities, construction firms, and farmers have all embraced DJI gear because it delivers results at a reasonable cost. However, this heavy reliance is now a liability. If DJI drones become unavailable or non-compliant with regulations, how much will that disrupt your work? Some agencies warn the impact would be “devastating,” such as one sheriff who said a ban would “essentially eliminate” his search-and-rescue drone unit.⁴ Private companies using drones for critical functions might face similar pain – even potential business closure in at least one case of a drone-reliant agriculture firm.⁴

Conduct an internal risk assessment: What percentage of your drone fleet is DJI? Do you have alternatives in place? How easily could you swap in a non-DJI system if needed? Identifying these dependencies now will help you prioritize next steps.

Compliance and Legal: Keep an eye on evolving rules that may directly affect your use of DJI. For example, if you work with the U.S. government or receive federal funds, there may already be clauses prohibiting Chinese-manufactured drones in your projects. Some state governments are following suit as well. In 2023, Florida implemented a ban on Chinese-made drones (including DJI) for all state and local government agencies. This forced many police and fire departments to ground their DJI fleets almost overnight. The transition was rough – over 90% of Florida law enforcement drones had been DJI, and suddenly that dropped to under 15% after the ban. Agencies reported that the replacement drones (from approved American or European brands) cost a lot more and didn’t always meet their needs. Florida had to allocate $25 million in taxpayer money to help departments buy compliant drones and retrain officers.⁵ The lesson for enterprise users elsewhere is clear: a rapid policy change can come, and switching out hundreds of drones (and retraining staff) is not trivial. It’s better to proactively diversify your drone fleet before you’re forced to.

Preparing for a World Without DJI

Given the trajectory of U.S. policy, it’s prudent for organizations to start preparing for a world where DJI drones are no longer obtainable – or even lawful – in the U.S. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Investigate Alternative Drone Platforms: Start evaluating other drone manufacturers that align with U.S. security requirements. The Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security have been promoting a “Blue UAS” program – essentially a list of vetted drone models from non-adversarial countries (and mostly U.S. companies) that government agencies can use. Even if you’re in the private sector, that list is a good reference point for reliable alternatives. Notable options include Skydio (a U.S. drone maker known for its autonomous navigation tech), Parrot (a French company with an enterprise-grade ANAFI USA drone built in America), Teal Drones (U.S.), Auterion/Freefly, Wingtra (Swiss), and others. Each has its pros and cons: expect higher price tags, and in some cases, more limited features or shorter flight times compared to DJI’s lineup. However, these products won’t carry the same regulatory baggage, and they’re less likely to suddenly disappear from the market. It’s wise to get hands-on with a few and see which could meet your needs.

2. Pilot Programs and Training: Transitioning away from DJI will involve a learning curve. As Florida’s agencies discovered, switching brands means new user interfaces, new software ecosystems, and new maintenance protocols. Plan for extra training and pilot program periods where your team can get comfortable with the replacement drones. You don’t want to be scrambling to train staff after a ban kicks in. By gradually integrating alternative drones now, your personnel can become proficient over time. You’ll also uncover any operational gaps – for instance, maybe your new drone doesn’t have an infrared camera you relied on, so you need to source a plugin or a different model. Better to figure that out early.⁵

3. Budget for the Change: Unfortunately, moving off DJI may hit the wallet. DJI has enjoyed economies of scale that let it price drones quite competitively. Many U.S. or European-made drones cost significantly more for similar capabilities. Allocate budget for this transition, including the possibility that you might need more units or more advanced models to match what a single DJI drone used to do. Also budget for accessory and software changes – new drones might mean all new batteries, chargers, payload attachments, and software licenses. It’s not just the drone itself. Consider it an investment in supply chain security and continuity.⁵

4. Update Policies and Documentation: If you maintain internal guidelines or procurement policies for drone usage, start updating those to reflect the coming changes. For example, you might add a clause that no new DJI equipment should be purchased given the uncertainty, or that any DJI use is subject to review by the security team. Encourage project managers to design future workflows assuming DJI is off the table. By setting these expectations now, your organization will be psychologically prepared for the shift and avoid doubling down on a technology that may be phased out.

5. Monitor Regulatory Developments: The situation is dynamic. Keep tabs on U.S. government announcements – from the Defense Department, Commerce Department, FAA, and state legislatures. We know the NDAA audit deadline (Dec 2025) is the big one to watch. But also, if the FCC officially places DJI on the Covered List (which could even happen sooner via other mechanisms), that’s a tipping point. Another thing to watch is the FCC’s equipment authorization process: there were reports that the FCC has already been unofficially holding off approvals of new DJI models. Without FCC certifications, DJI can’t sell new radio-frequency devices here. Any official word on that would signal the door closing. Also follow any bills in Congress – there have been standalone proposals to ban DJI outright, one of which even passed the U.S. House in 2024.² While not law yet, strong bipartisan support exists for being tough on Chinese drones. Being informed will help you time your moves.

6. Engage with the Community: Affected industries are not taking this lying down, and you might find allies in surprising places. Many public safety agencies and businesses have been voicing concerns about losing DJI, not because they have loyalty to a brand, but because of practical impacts. They’ve lobbied for slower transitions or funding support to adapt. While the momentum toward a ban is strong, there may be efforts (like grace periods or waivers for certain uses) that you can take advantage of if you stay plugged into industry groups. For instance, some users are pushing for at least maintaining existing DJI drones (allowing them to use them until end-of-life) even if new sales stop. Join forums, attend drone industry events, and share knowledge on how to best handle the shift.

Conclusion: Adaptability Is Key

In summary, DJI’s courtroom loss against the Pentagon is one more sign that its tenure in the U.S. market is approaching an end. The combination of legal bans, import restrictions, and security pressures forms a perfect storm that even a company as dominant as DJI likely cannot withstand. For security teams and enterprises, the message is clear: start preparing for a DJI-free future. This doesn’t have to be a catastrophe; in fact, it can be an opportunity to diversify and strengthen your drone operations. Yes, you may face short-term costs and challenges in switching to new platforms. But building resilience against geopolitical tech risks is becoming part of the cost of doing business.

DJI drones have set a high benchmark for usability and innovation over the years – that’s precisely why losing them is difficult. Yet, technology landscapes change. Five years ago, few imagined we’d be talking about banning these popular gadgets. Now that it’s a real possibility, organizations must be forward-thinking. By taking steps now to secure alternative solutions and by staying informed, you can ensure that your aerial operations continue with minimal disruption.

The era of DJI’s near-monopoly in American skies is waning. The exact timetable of a ban or withdrawal may still have some uncertainty, but the trajectory is plain. For those who proactively adapt, the transition can be manageable. For those who ignore the warnings, it could be abrupt and painful. In the world of security and enterprise, agility is key – and this is the moment to exercise it. The drones will keep flying, but it’s up to each team to decide what logo will be on those devices in 2026 and beyond.

Sources:

1. Reuters – Mike Scarcella, “Drone maker DJI loses lawsuit to exit Pentagon's list of firms with Chinese military ties,” Sept. 26, 2025.

2. Reuters – Michael Martina & David Shepardson, “US Customs halts some drone imports from Chinese manufacturer DJI, company says,” Oct. 16, 2024.

3. Reuters – David Shepardson, “US plans restrictions on imports of Chinese drones and heavy-duty vehicles,” Sept. 5, 2025.

4. Times Union (Hearst) – Ezra Bitterman, “U.S. lawmakers seek less reliance on Chinese drones,” Sept. 28, 2025.

5. Associated Press – Didi Tang, “Congress is looking to ban new sales of popular Chinese-made drones,” Oct. 25, 2025 (Florida state ban impacts).