DJI Challenges U.S. Military Classification

Chinese drone manufacturer DJI has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), contesting its designation as a "Chinese military company." The company claims that the Pentagon's classification is incorrect, emphasizing that it is a private entity that produces consumer and commercial drones, not military ones.

Background and Reasons for Legal Action

DJI's lawsuit, initiated on October 18, follows over 16 months of attempts to engage with the DoD. The company asserts it is not controlled by the Chinese military and argues that the DoD recognizes its primary focus on consumer and commercial products. This legal action comes amid increasing scrutiny of DJI by the U.S. government, driven by concerns over surveillance allegations and its drones' use in conflicts such as the ongoing situation in Ukraine.

U.S. National Security Concerns

The Pentagon added DJI to its blacklist in 2022, citing fears that China leverages civilian companies to advance military capabilities through its Military-Civil Fusion strategy. This lawsuit is part of a broader U.S. initiative targeting Chinese tech firms due to national security risks. In a related move, the U.S. Commerce Department recently banned the sale of vehicles containing Chinese technology.

Controversies and Operational Adjustments

DJI, founded in 2006, has faced various controversies, including accusations of facilitating surveillance in China's Xinjiang region, leading to its 2021 blacklisting by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Furthermore, during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, DJI was accused by Ukraine of aiding Russia through its drone technology, prompting the company to suspend operations in both countries to reassess compliance measures.