Several states are moving to restrict government agencies from using drones made in China. North Dakota, where most state-owned drones are Chinese-made, is working on a bill to phase them out by 2027. Similar measures are being discussed in Virginia, and states like Arkansas and Tennessee already have bans in place. Texas has also prohibited agencies from purchasing DJI drones.
They keep saying this will boost American drone manufacturing, but I haven’t seen any proof that any company is ready to fill the gap.
Darby said:
They keep saying this will boost American drone manufacturing, but I haven’t seen any proof that any company is ready to fill the gap.
Without government support, no way. Even if a company makes a drone with the right specs, they won’t be able to meet demand, and prices will be much higher. If agencies need replacements right away, they’re out of luck.
@Teo
And if they can’t source parts from China, the options will be even more limited. If things escalate with Taiwan, we might have almost no choices left.
@Teo
And the government right now isn’t exactly efficient, so expecting them to subsidize a whole new industry seems unlikely.
Darby said:
@Teo
And the government right now isn’t exactly efficient, so expecting them to subsidize a whole new industry seems unlikely.
Maybe some companies in Europe can step up, but that depends on how trade policies play out.
Darby said:
They keep saying this will boost American drone manufacturing, but I haven’t seen any proof that any company is ready to fill the gap.
They’re improving, but yeah, we let China take over the drone market while we fell behind.
Darby said:
They keep saying this will boost American drone manufacturing, but I haven’t seen any proof that any company is ready to fill the gap.
Universities could push drone research if they get government funding. That would help develop talent and tech. This ban might push things in that direction.
@Nova
That’s not how this works. Universities don’t just start programs overnight. You need funding, professors, and students interested in the research. Even if money is thrown at it, you won’t get a DJI-level drone anytime soon.
Could be a good investment opportunity.
Texas already stopped using them for Department of Transportation projects a year ago.
Montana did this last year, but they at least gave agencies three years to phase out DJI drones instead of an immediate ban. Problem is, no US-made drone comes close to the price or performance of DJI, so a lot of agencies may have to give up their programs unless something changes.
Are there any US drone companies that make something as good as DJI for search and rescue or emergency tracking?
Shai said:
Are there any US drone companies that make something as good as DJI for search and rescue or emergency tracking?
Skydio is the only one I know of, but American-made drones cost way more. Government agencies are already struggling with budgets.
Banning them from government use makes sense. Agencies often have rules about using only US-made equipment. The risk of data leaks is higher for them.
But banning them entirely would be an overreach. If I buy one, that’s my choice. Most of what I film will be online anyway, so it’s not a security issue. There just aren’t good non-Chinese options right now.
@Zander
Good point. Some people here act like this is a black-and-white issue when it’s more complicated.
Nova said:
@Zander
Good point. Some people here act like this is a black-and-white issue when it’s more complicated.
Exactly. Government agencies have valid concerns, but private users shouldn’t be forced into this. Until there’s an alternative, people will keep using DJI drones.
The ban is only for state use, right? Doesn’t apply to personal users?
This won’t stop me from flying.
Rafe said:
This won’t stop me from flying.
This was never about personal users. You don’t even work for the government, so why would it matter to you?