For the better part of a decade, drones have transformed the way public safety agencies operate. From accident reconstruction and SWAT overwatch to search-and-rescue, small UAS have become indispensable. Yet behind the benefits, a growing controversy looms — the security implications of using Chinese-made drones, especially from market leader DJI.
Why the Concern?
The U.S. government has raised concerns that drones manufactured by companies based in China could present cybersecurity and national security risks. The central worry is whether sensitive data — imagery, telemetry, or operational details — could be accessed by foreign governments or entities.
DJI, which holds the lion’s share of the commercial drone market, has consistently denied these claims, citing independent audits and secure data modes. Still, federal agencies such as the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of the Interior (DOI) have restricted or banned DJI drones from their fleets.
Those of us in the drone community are truly appreciative for what DJI has done to help build out the industry. They are clearly the leader for a reason — combining affordability, innovation, and usability in a way that accelerated adoption across public safety, utilities, and countless other sectors. That said, we also understand and appreciate the importance of national cybersecurity, especially for government organizations and groups working around critical infrastructure.
The Pending DJI Ban
Legislation has been proposed that could further restrict the use of DJI drones by state and local agencies, especially when federal grant funding is involved. While nothing is finalized as of this writing, agencies relying heavily on DJI should be aware that a transition may eventually be necessary.
What Does NDAA Compliance Mean?
If DJI drones are restricted, what are the alternatives? This is where U.S.-made or NDAA-compliant drones come into play.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes provisions that bar the DoD from purchasing drones or components made by certain foreign entities. For a drone to be considered “NDAA compliant,” it must be free of restricted parts (such as cameras, flight controllers, or radio modules manufactured by blacklisted companies).
For local agencies, NDAA compliance isn’t strictly required — but it often signals alignment with federal procurement standards and is increasingly seen as a “future-proof” choice.
Blue UAS and Green UAS Certifications
To help agencies navigate the options, two certification programs have emerged:
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Blue UAS: Managed by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), this program pre-approves drones that meet strict DoD cybersecurity, supply chain, and safety standards. Blue UAS platforms are almost exclusively U.S.-built or allied-nation built, with costs often significantly higher than consumer drones.
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Green UAS: A newer, industry-led initiative that provides a pathway for commercial and public safety drones to be vetted for security, without requiring full DoD certification. Green UAS helps bridge the gap by approving drones that are not strictly military but still meet robust security benchmarks.
What This Means for State and Local Public Safety
For state and local agencies, the question isn’t only “Are DJI drones secure?” but also:
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Will pending legislation limit grant-funded purchases of DJI drones?
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Should your agency start testing NDAA-compliant or Green UAS drones now to prepare for future restrictions?
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Does your operational risk profile demand the highest level of cybersecurity assurance, or do cost and accessibility remain your top priorities?
DJI drones remain the most widely used in public safety because of their affordability, ease of use, and advanced features. But forward-looking agencies should begin evaluating alternatives — not only to hedge against potential bans, but also to strengthen public trust by proactively addressing security concerns.
Final Thoughts
Whether DJI drones are ultimately banned or restricted, the conversation is forcing agencies to think strategically about their UAS programs. NDAA compliance, Blue UAS, and Green UAS designations offer a roadmap, but each comes with trade-offs in cost, performance, and availability.
The bottom line: we owe much of today’s public safety UAS capability to DJI’s innovation and leadership. At the same time, national cybersecurity must remain a priority, especially for government agencies operating near or around critical infrastructure.
If you have questions about these issues or want to explore drone options that balance capability, compliance, and cost, please reach out to us at MAXSUR. Our team is here to help your agency evaluate solutions and build a resilient, future-ready drone program.
Thanks for reading,
Victor Hale