From Digital Camera World · · 1m 10s
US bans DJI drones as military tech
US government threatens to ban five DJI drone models as military tech.
In brief
US government threatens to ban five DJI drone models as military tech. The US FCC plans to ban DJI drones with LiDAR sensors from sale by January 2027, claiming they are military technology due to trade tensions with China. Originally reported by Digital Camera World.
US FCC bans DJI drones
The US FCC now considers DJI drones with LiDAR sensors as military technology, threatening to remove them from shelves by January 2027.
“The FCC's proposed definition is broad enough to capture many of the civilian drones Americans rely on every day.”
DJI models affected
DJI Neo 2, Avata 360, Air 3S, Mini 5 Pro, and Mavic 4 Pro drones are listed as using military-grade LiDAR sensors.
DJI's response
DJI states it does not design military-grade equipment and has opposed weaponizing civilian drones for commercial and recreational use.
“DJI does not design or manufacture military-grade equipment, nor has it marketed or sold its products for military use.”
Trade war reason
The US government claims the ban targets Chinese drone companies amid trade tensions, prioritizing military applications over affordable consumer drones.
Impact on buyers
Retailers cannot sell new DJI drones after January 2027, but existing owners can keep their units.
What happens next
Hobbyists must decide if they need LiDAR features before the January 2027 deadline to avoid losing access to advanced drone technology.
In short
The US FCC plans to ban DJI drones with LiDAR sensors from sale by January 2027, claiming they are military technology due to trade tensions with China.
