Just came across this news from a few weeks ago.
By this logic, just about every industry—aside from clothing and toys—could be considered a national security risk. The bigger issue is that we don’t have a viable US-made competitor yet, and building one will take years.
What’s the alternative here in the States?
This has been expected since the 2024 NDAA passed in late 2023. Autel was grouped with DJI and their futures are now tied together. Which sucks. These two companies dominate the drone space, and if Congress enforces a full ban, both are likely done in the US.
@Ren
It’s going to hit every Chinese-made drone. Honestly, this feels like a Skydio-backed push to eliminate competition and take over the US market.
Van said:
@Ren
It’s going to hit every Chinese-made drone. Honestly, this feels like a Skydio-backed push to eliminate competition and take over the US market.
No doubt. Elise Stefanik’s former chief of staff is at Skydio now, and she’s been the most vocal advocate for this.
@Jory
And let’s not forget that Trump Jr. works with and has investments in Unusual Machines. He definitely has influence on the administration.
Delaney said:
@Jory
And let’s not forget that Trump Jr. works with and has investments in Unusual Machines. He definitely has influence on the administration.
Absolutely!
Delaney said:
@Jory
And let’s not forget that Trump Jr. works with and has investments in Unusual Machines. He definitely has influence on the administration.
I wouldn’t even mind this so much if they actually put out a solid product. I want a good American-made drone!
Van said:
@Ren
It’s going to hit every Chinese-made drone. Honestly, this feels like a Skydio-backed push to eliminate competition and take over the US market.
But Skydio doesn’t even compete in the consumer drone market. Unless they’re about to drop a new sub-250g camera drone, this move benefits no one but big defense contractors.
@Ripley
Exactly. Take out every Chinese-made drone, and who’s left?
Van said:
@Ren
It’s going to hit every Chinese-made drone. Honestly, this feels like a Skydio-backed push to eliminate competition and take over the US market.
This isn’t just about cornering the market—it’s about eliminating civilian drone use altogether, clearing the skies for whatever comes next.
@Ren
The big question for me is: will existing drones still work? I have family in Taiwan who could get me a drone, but if there’s some kind of software lock in the US, then what’s the point?
Jory said:
@Ren
The big question for me is: will existing drones still work? I have family in Taiwan who could get me a drone, but if there’s some kind of software lock in the US, then what’s the point?
They won’t be ‘locked.’
@Ripley
That’s good to hear. But I wonder if they could push a software update to disable certain drones in US airspace.
I went with Freefly. Guess I dodged a bullet.
Zane said:
I went with Freefly. Guess I dodged a bullet.
Isn’t their stuff in the five-figure range?
@Zane
Lol, good one. But yeah, that rules out 98% of us who just fly for fun or light commercial work.
It’s not just DJI and Autel—this applies to drones from China, Russia, Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, and North Korea. The justification is ‘national security concerns,’ but let’s be real: DJI got singled out because they dominate the market, and the US wants a homegrown industry.