WASHINGTON — The ongoing economic and technological competition between the United States and China has extended into the realm of drones, where Chinese manufacturers currently hold a significant position in the market.

In response, U.S. lawmakers are pushing to prohibit future sales of drones from two prominent Chinese companies, asserting that these flying devices may serve as tools for surveillance and that their affordable prices are adversely impacting the American drone industry. A recently passed defense bill in Congress includes measures to ban new drones from DJI Technology and Autel Robotics, contingent upon the outcome of a review that evaluates the potential risks they pose to national security.

Despite concerns, American users — including police officers, farmers, cartographers, and filmmakers — have increasingly become dependent on Chinese-made drones, particularly those produced by DJI.

### Concerns Over National Security

Representative Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., has been a leading voice in the House advocating for the ban on new Chinese drones. She argues that the U.S. has become overly reliant on these devices, claiming, “It is strategically irresponsible to allow Communist China to be our drone factory.”

Senator Rick Scott, R-Fla., was similarly motivated to urge Congress to limit federal agencies’ use of Chinese drones. His push led to restrictions that were later incorporated into a bill signed by President Joe Biden. Scott has likened these drones to spy balloons, suggesting they could be utilized to collect sensitive data or transport harmful materials, thereby posing threats to critical military and infrastructure sites.

### Dominance of DJI Drones in the Market

DJI stands out as the most recognized brand in the Chinese drone sector, boasting a substantial share of the global market and dominating the U.S. landscape as well. Their drones have been instrumental in various applications ranging from disaster response to agricultural monitoring and even creative filmmaking.

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, DJI is known for producing drones that marry affordability with high-performance capabilities. Despite not manufacturing military drones, DJI products have also found their way onto battlefields, including Ukraine.

As tensions between the U.S. and China have escalated, DJI drones have faced increased scrutiny. The U.S. government has placed the company on multiple blacklists, citing issues related to alleged human rights violations and purported affiliations with the Chinese military. DJI has consistently denied these allegations and is currently taking legal action against the Pentagon, contesting its designation as a military-affiliated entity. Additionally, U.S. customs officials have halted shipments from DJI over concerns regarding forced labor, which the company has characterized as a misunderstanding.

DJI has expressed unease about the government review of Chinese drones mandated by the recent defense bill, claiming it hampers the company’s ability to defend itself and arguing for a fair opportunity to address the findings.

### Challenges in Finding Alternatives

Farmers like Russell Hedrick from North Carolina have articulated the challenges of finding substitutes for Chinese drones. He utilizes drones for fertilizer application, which significantly lowers expenses compared to conventional ground sprayers — a drone costs about $35,000 versus $250,000 for a traditional sprayer. Hedrick also employs thermal imaging drones for rescue operations, showcasing their varied applications in critical scenarios, including efforts to deliver essential supplies after disasters.

Hedrick noted, “While I would love to have American-made drones, I find that they just don’t measure up to DJI drones in terms of reliability and user-friendly features, and they tend to be significantly more expensive.”

A September report from the Government Accountability Office indicated that the ban on foreign drones has resulted in missed opportunities for federal departments, particularly in gathering important data on natural and cultural resources, wildlife, and vital infrastructure.

Michael Robbins, the CEO of AUVSI, a group advocating for unmanned systems including drones, is against an outright ban. He instead proposes that the government invest in bolstering the domestic drone manufacturing industry to enhance its competitiveness against Chinese firms in both capabilities and pricing.