Why Chinese Drone Maker DJI Is Suing the FCC

Despite their low cost, the company’s models are considered by pilots to be among the best on the market.

Jack Daleo

Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

DJI in November unveiled its Agras T100, T70P, and T25P drone models for agricultural operators. [Credit: DJI]

Key Takeaways:

China’s DJI is suing the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) after the agency added the drone manufacturer to a federal blacklist, effectively banning its products and components for alleged national security risks.
DJI contends the ban is procedurally and substantively flawed, arguing it was blacklisted automatically due to an uncompleted audit and denied the chance to address concerns, suggesting economic motives.
The ban significantly impacts American customers, including public safety agencies, farmers, and small businesses, many of whom heavily rely on DJI's market-leading drones and report a lack of viable domestic alternatives.

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China’s DJI—the global titan of the consumer drone industry—is suing the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over the agency’s decision to throttle its American business.

DJI last week filed a petition for review in the U.S. Ninth Circuit court, contesting the FCC’s move to add foreign drone manufacturers to its Covered List—a federal blacklist that effectively bans the sale or import of the company’s drones and components—for national security reasons.