Two U.S. senators have proposed legislation to ban the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from buying or using drones made in China or other countries that are considered hostile to the U.S. The bill, introduced by Republican Marsha Blackburn and Democrat Mark Warner, would also prohibit the FAA from providing federal funds to foreign drone companies from these countries.
The bill comes amid growing concerns about the security risks posed by Chinese-made drones. In 2020, the Commerce Department imposed export restrictions on DJI, the world's leading drone maker, accusing the company of helping the Chinese government oppress its Uyghur minority. The lawmakers who introduced the bill say that it is important to protect U.S. national security and ensure that the FAA is not using drones that could be compromised by hostile foreign governments. They also say that the bill would help to boost the U.S. drone manufacturing industry.
The bill has been met with mixed reactions. Some drone experts have argued that the ban would be counterproductive, as it would deprive the FAA of access to some of the most advanced drones on the market. Others have said that the bill is necessary to protect U.S. national security. The bill is currently being considered by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It is unclear whether the bill will be passed by the full Senate.
- Last week, Republican Senator Marco Rubio asked the U.S. Capitol Police to stop using drones made by Autel Robotics, a Chinese drone manufacturer, citing security concerns.
- In 2020, the Commerce Department imposed export restrictions on top drone maker DJI, accusing it of complicity in the oppression of China's Uyghur minority or helping the military.
- In April, Republican Representatives Elise Stefanik and Mike Gallagher introduced legislation to add DJI to the Federal Communications Commission’s Covered List, which would prohibit it from operating on U.S. communications infrastructure.
- Over 50% of drones sold in the U.S. are made by Chinese-based company DJI, and they are the most popular drone in use by public safety agencies, the lawmakers said.
- The U.S. government has taken other actions to limit Chinese-made drone purchases. In January 2020, the U.S. Interior Department said it was grounding its fleet of about 800 Chinese-made drones after halting additional purchases of such drones by the agency.