DJI, the world’s leading drone manufacturer, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Defense Department, challenging its inclusion on a list of companies allegedly linked to the Chinese military. The drone maker, responsible for more than half of U.S. commercial drone sales, argues that the designation is baseless and has caused severe financial losses.
In its filing, DJI claims it “is neither owned nor controlled by the Chinese military” and seeks immediate removal from the Pentagon’s blacklist. The designation serves as a red flag to American businesses, cautioning against engaging with entities the U.S. considers potential national security threats.
DJI alleges that the Defense Department’s actions have led to terminated contracts, blocked federal agency partnerships, and deterred new business ventures with both U.S. and international clients. After 16 months of unanswered requests for clarification from the Pentagon, the company says it had no choice but to take the matter to court.
The lawsuit lands amid rising tensions between the U.S. and China, as Washington intensifies scrutiny on Chinese companies. Other firms facing similar restrictions include aviation giant AVIC and chipmaker YMTC. In May, lidar manufacturer Hesai Group also sued the Pentagon over a similar designation, only to be removed from the list briefly before being re-listed on national security grounds.
DJI is contending with growing obstacles in the U.S. On the heels of the lawsuit, the company disclosed that Customs and Border Protection is blocking some of its drones from entering the country, citing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. DJI denies any involvement with forced labor in its supply chain.
Lawmakers have also ramped up pressure, warning that DJI drones could pose risks to data security and surveillance. Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to ban future DJI drones from operation in the U.S., pending Senate approval. Meanwhile, the Commerce Department is evaluating potential trade restrictions that could effectively prohibit Chinese-made drones.
As political tensions deepen, DJI’s legal challenge reflects broader battles between the two superpowers over technology, security, and market influence.
