DJI Drone Military: A Complex Web of US Concerns and International Implications

The US government has been closely monitoring DJI's drone technology, with some lawmakers expressing concerns about the company's ties to the Chinese government.

DJI's headquarters are located in Shenzhen, China, which has raised concerns about data security and potential espionage.

The US military has already banned the use of DJI drones due to these concerns, citing the risk of data being transmitted back to China.

The ban was put in place in 2019, after the US Navy and Marine Corps discovered that DJI drones were sending data to China, including photos and videos of sensitive military operations.

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DJI drones have been equipped with advanced technologies that make them a popular choice for various applications, including military use. The DJI Phantom 4, released in 2016, was a popular model that supported quad-rotor configurations.

The DJI Phantom 4 had a built-in receiver, operating on 2.4 GHz frequency, and was capable of hovering with high accuracy, with a vertical accuracy of ±0.5m and a horizontal accuracy of ±1.5m.

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DJI drones have also been integrated with innovative technologies like the OcuSync system, which enables low-latency high-definition video transmission. The DJI FPV system, launched in 2021, features a high-performance motor that allows for a maximum air speed of 140 km/h and a 0–100 km acceleration of just 2 seconds.

The DJI FPV system also features an intuitive user interface and the latest safety features for greater flight control. It allows pilots to capture ultra-smooth and stable 4K video at 60 fps with the stabilization of RockSteady electronic image stabilization.

Here are some key technologies and features of DJI drones:

The RoboMaster EP was officially released on March 9, 2020.

It was first teased in a YouTube commercial for the RoboMaster S1 on November 25, 2019.

The EP supports more than 20 third-party sensors.

These sensors include open-source hardware like Micro Bit, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi.

This wide range of supported sensors makes the RoboMaster EP a versatile and adaptable device.

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The DJI Phantom 4 was a popular drone model that was released in 2016. It supported 4-8 motors, which is impressive for a drone of its time.

The DJI Phantom 4 had a built-in receiver that operated on the 2.4 GHz frequency. This is a common frequency for wireless communication.

Its hovering accuracy was quite good, with a vertical accuracy of ±0.5m and a horizontal accuracy of ±1.5m. This is essential for smooth and stable flight.

Some drone models, like the Naza V2, supported 4-8 motors as well. However, they lacked a built-in receiver.

The Naza V2 had a hovering accuracy of ±0.8m vertically and ±2.5m horizontally. This is slightly less accurate than the DJI Phantom 4.

Here are some examples of motor-rotor configurations supported by different drone models:

These configurations allow drone manufacturers to design and build drones with different numbers of motors and rotor arrangements.

The camera is a crucial component in many devices, including smartphones and laptops. It's responsible for capturing high-quality images and videos.

With a resolution of up to 50 megapixels, modern cameras can produce stunning photos with incredible detail. This is especially useful for photographers who need to capture professional-grade images.

Some cameras also feature optical zoom, which can be a game-changer for capturing distant subjects. Optical zoom uses lenses to zoom in on the subject, resulting in clearer and more detailed images.

However, not all cameras are created equal. The quality of the camera can greatly impact the overall performance of a device. For example, a smartphone with a high-quality camera can take better photos than one with a lower-quality camera.

In addition to resolution and zoom, cameras also vary in their sensor size. A larger sensor can capture more light and produce better images in low-light conditions.

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FPV is an exciting technology that combines the thrill of racing drones with the stability and reliability of traditional consumer drones. The DJI FPV, launched in 2021, is a hybrid drone that features high-performance motors for a maximum air speed of 140 km/h (87 mph).

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The drone's intuitive user interface and safety features make it easier for pilots to control and enjoy the flight. In manual mode, the drone accelerates from 0-100 km in just 2 seconds.

The FPV system also allows pilots to see from the drone's perspective in low-latency high-definition video, thanks to DJI's proprietary O3 technology. This technology enables pilots to capture ultra-smooth and stable 4K video at 60 fps with RockSteady electronic image stabilization.

DJI's FPV series also includes head-mounted displays designed for FPV drone flying, such as the DJI Goggles and the Digital FPV System. These products offer wireless connectivity and direct photo and video capture control.

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The US military has raised concerns about DJI drones, with the company being added to a list of "Chinese military companies" operating in the US in October 2022.

In December 2020, the US Department of Commerce added DJI to the Bureau of Industry and Security's Entity List, and in January 2021, President Trump signed an executive order mandating the removal of Chinese-made drones from US government fleets.

The US Department of Defense's designation of DJI as a Chinese military company has led to financial losses and damaged the company's reputation, according to DJI, which claims it is neither owned nor controlled by the Chinese military.

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The US military has some serious concerns about online security, and it's not just about hackers trying to steal sensitive information. The military has reported that its networks are being targeted by state-sponsored actors, who are using advanced techniques to breach security systems.

Many of these attacks are happening through social engineering, where attackers trick soldiers into revealing sensitive information. For example, a phishing attack can be launched via a fake email that looks like it's from a trusted source, such as a commanding officer.

The military is also concerned about the threat of insider threats, where someone with authorized access to the network intentionally or unintentionally compromises security. This can happen when a soldier is compromised by an adversary, or when they're simply careless with their login credentials.

The military has reported that many of these attacks are happening through unsecured personal devices, such as smartphones or laptops. These devices can be easily hacked, especially if the soldier is using weak passwords or hasn't updated their operating system in a while.

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To combat these threats, the military is implementing new security protocols, such as two-factor authentication and encryption. These measures can help protect sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access to the network.

Soldiers are also being trained to be more vigilant about online security, and to report any suspicious activity to their superiors. This includes being aware of phishing attacks and other social engineering tactics, as well as being careful about what they share online.

US sanctions have taken a toll on DJI, the world's largest drone manufacturer. In December 2020, the US Department of Commerce added DJI to the Bureau of Industry and Security's Entity List.

President Trump signed an executive order in January 2021 mandating the removal of Chinese-made drones from US government fleets. This move significantly impacted DJI's business.

In December 2021, the US Department of the Treasury prohibited investment in DJI by US individuals and entities, accusing the company of assisting the People's Liberation Army and being complicit in aiding the persecution of Uyghurs.

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The US Department of Defense added DJI to a list of "Chinese military companies" operating in the US in October 2022. DJI responded by filing a lawsuit against the US Department of Defense in an attempt to have the designation removed.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Countering CCP Drones Act in September 2024, which aims to include DJI on a list maintained by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019. This would effectively prevent DJI's drones from operating on US communications infrastructure.

In October 2024, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection was stopping the import of certain DJI drones into the US under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

In May 2021, the United States Department of Defense issued an analysis of DJI products.

The analysis concluded that two types of drone in the DJI "Government Edition" line-up show "no malicious code or intent.

This is according to a summary obtained by The Hill, though the Defense Department did not respond to an inquiry asking for elaboration.

The report recommended these drones for use by government entities and forces working with US services.

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DJI drones have been involved in several high-profile incidents, including a 2015 crash into the White House's south lawn in Washington, D.C.

In the 2015 Tokyo drone incident, a DJI Phantom 2 drone carrying radioactive material landed on the official residence of the Prime Minister of Japan, prompting a law restricting drone flights near government buildings and nuclear sites.

DJI drones have also been used by ISIS in 2016 as exploding devices in Iraq, leading the company to create a broad no-fly zone over nearly all of Iraq and Syria.

A DJI drone was nearly involved in a midair collision with a Chinese fighter jet in 2016, resulting in the Chinese government insisting that DJI develop an air traffic registry to track its drones within China.

On 30 March 2018, Israel Defense Forces used DJI's Matrice 600 drones to drop tear gas from above on Gazan protestors.

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DJI products have been involved in some serious incidents over the years.

In January 2015, a Phantom 3 drone crashed into the White House's south lawn. This led to DJI setting up a no-fly Geo-system to prevent flights from getting close to restricted zones.

The Tokyo drone incident in 2015 was a major concern, with a DJI Phantom 2 drone carrying radioactive material landing on the official residence of the Prime Minister of Japan. This led to a law restricting drone flights near government buildings and nuclear sites.

In 2016, ISIS used DJI drones as exploding devices in Iraq, prompting DJI to create a broad no-fly zone over nearly all of Iraq and Syria. This was a shocking example of how drones can be used for malicious purposes.

A close call occurred in 2016 when a DJI drone was nearly involved in a midair collision with a Chinese fighter jet. The Chinese government responded by insisting that DJI develop an air traffic registry to track its drones within China.

The Matrice 600 drones made headlines in 2018 when Israel Defense Forces used them to drop tear gas from above on Gazan protestors. This raised questions about the use of drones in conflict zones.

That same year, two Matrice 600 drones detonated explosives near Avenida Bolívar in Caracas, in an apparent attempt to assassinate Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro. This incident highlighted the potential risks of drones being used for malicious purposes.

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DJI, a Chinese drone manufacturer, is at the center of a lawsuit that's got everyone talking. The company is fighting for fair treatment after being designated as a national security threat by the US government.

The stakes are high for DJI, with the potential outcome affecting its access to crucial markets and its reputation. If the designation stands, DJI may continue to face hurdles in one of its largest markets.

DJI claims that its ownership remains firmly in the hands of four individuals, who collectively control 99% of the company and own 87% of its shares. This is a crucial point, as it disputes the notion that the company is controlled by Chinese state-owned funds.

A similar case involving the lidar manufacturer Hesai Group has already been resolved, with the company being removed and then swiftly relisted from the same military list. This ongoing struggle between Chinese companies and the US government reflects broader geopolitical tensions between the two nations.

The US Department of Defense has yet to comment on the DJI lawsuit, leaving many wondering what's next for the company.

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