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, the dominant consumer drone maker, is suing the U.S. FCC over its decision to add the company to a "Covered List," which effectively bans the sale and import of its drones and components in the U.S.
The FCC's ban, enacted for national security reasons stemming from the NDAA, is contested by DJI, which claims the mandated security audit was never completed and that the process was procedurally and substantively flawed.
The ban severely impacts a wide range of U.S. customers, including public safety, agriculture, and small businesses, who heavily rely on DJI's cost-effective and high-quality drones, often without viable American alternatives.
DJI argues the restrictions are driven by economic protectionism to benefit domestic manufacturers and denies national security threats, pointing to a past Pentagon audit that found its drones "recommended for use" by government entities.

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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.