The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 recently passed Congress, signaling a significant shift in the U.S. approach to addressing national security concerns surrounding Chinese-made drones? Manufacturing, and Nationwide Safety
The Nationwide Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025, pending President Biden’s signature, encompasses crucial provisions impacting the drone industry. Responses to the invoice have been forthcoming from key stakeholders, including the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), as well as DJI, China’s leading drone manufacturer. Below is a breakdown of key provisions and trade reactions.
Chinese language-Made Drones Beneath Scrutiny
Among the debated provisions within the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), one notable area of focus concerns drones manufactured in China, particularly those produced by industry leaders such as DJI and Autel. The United States Congress has mandated a comprehensive threat overview by the government. A nationwide safety company’s potential non-compliance with regulations may lead to the addition of these drones to the FCC’s database, potentially posing a national safety risk if deemed such by the regulatory authority. This implication might hinder innovative drones from leveraging FCC bandwidth for seamless communication.
Chelsie Jeppson, Director of Communications, clarified the methodology in a LinkedIn post, stating, “Congress’s decision to task the opportunity overview and evaluation to specialists at a national security company is the best move.” She noted that the entity responsible for the assessment may include DHS, DOD, DNI, NSA, and/or FBI, as outlined in related U.S. code.
Notably, Jeppson emphasized two pivotal aspects of the laws:
- The invoice meticulously lists subsidiaries, associates, and technology-sharing arrangements involving Chinese-language drone companies.
- The Chance Evaluation Report should be delivered to Congress in an unclassified form.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) notes that drones made in China will face heightened scrutiny, as per existing regulations. If no entity conducts a risk assessment within a year’s timeframe, DJI and another Chinese manufacturer are automatically set to be added to the FCC’s Covered List.
Strengthening the Home Provide Chain
The National Defense Authorization Act further prioritizes strengthening both domestic and allied supply chains for critical drone technologies. Jeppson hailed the measure as “excellent news for everyone,” while AUVSI President and CEO Michael Robbins noted that the bill addresses concerns over Chinese-made drones, acknowledging potential threats and supporting efforts to reduce dependencies on foreign technology.
Robbins announced a series of new investments within the United States. provide chain and protection infrastructure, noting, “Funding for Drone Detection & Mitigation is elevated by $336.442M throughout a number of funds strains… totaling greater than $1.7B.” He additionally highlighted help for initiatives like DIU, AFWERX Prime, and the Replicator program, which intention to speed up the combination of autonomous methods into protection operations.
DJI’s Advocacy and Issues
DJI warmly received the removal of the controversial provision from the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) text. The proposed legislation would have effectively banned the import and sale of DJI products in the United States. Markets are likely to experience uncertainty and turmoil as all current FCC authorizations are undoubtedly revoked.
In its blog post, DJI thanked the drone community for opposing the CCCPD Act, noting that “Your tireless and thoughtful efforts… had a significant impact.” However, the company raised concerns regarding the NDAA’s provisions, including the lack of a designated entity to conduct the risk assessment and the absence of due process. DJI urges Congress to:
- Conduct a rigorous, data-driven assessment by a specialized organization.
- DJI should promptly respond to any findings and concerns regarding their products, ensuring transparency and addressing customer queries in a timely and satisfactory manner.
Wanting Forward
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 sets the stage for significant advancements in 2025, as Congress is poised to take additional steps on counter-drone legislation and domestic manufacturing initiatives. According to Robbins’ renowned view, the future direction of protection is poised to be driven by autonomous technologies, emphasizing the crucial need for harmonious cooperation between governments and industries.
As DJI looks ahead to the next year, a critical juncture awaits as it presses for policies that balance technological advancement against national origins considerations? The corporation has committed to keeping stakeholders informed and actively involved as developments emerge.
As the NDAA nears final approval, the global drone industry teeters on a threshold, weighing the twin imperatives of technological advancement and security assurances against an increasingly crowded international landscape? As noted by Jeppson, “Looking forward to an incredibly hectic and exhilarating 2025.”
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As Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, Miriam McNabb is a leading authority on the burgeoning drone industry, with a keen eye on both the market’s technological advancements and the evolving regulatory landscape that governs them. With a distinguished career spanning over 3,000 articles focused on the industrial drone sector, Miriam has established herself as a prominent global speaker and recognized authority in the industry. With a degree from the University of Chicago, Miriam boasts over two decades of experience in high-tech sales and marketing for emerging technologies.
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