Congress needs to make sure the drone security audit required by Section 1709 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is completed fairly and transparently. The law called for a review of DJI and Autel drones by December 23 2025, but no agency has reportedly started it yet.
Without this audit, these drones could be restricted or banned from government use without any proven security risk. Lawmakers are being asked to delay the deadline, assign a single agency to lead the review, and make the findings public so decisions are based on facts rather than speculation.
If you rely on DJI or Autel drones for work, education, or recreation, you can help protect access to them by emailing your members of Congress to share your concerns.
Did and done… and this is what I wrote to my two Senators and Representative…
I live in the XXXXX Area of XXXX County, Virginia and as a member of your constituent, and as a Retired US Air Force Chief Master Sergeant (E-9); i write to ask for changes to Section 1709 of the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
I am a FAA Part 107 Certified Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Pilot and I fly a DJI drone primarily for recreational purposes. I chose this drone based on its capability to fly safely and take good photos and video that I often post on YouTube. Not only did I based my decision on it capabilities, but based the choices our first responder were choosing to use in the performance of their work… The Fire Departments, the Police Departments, Search and Rescue Units
Section 1709 focuses on the evaluation of communications and video surveillance equipment from companies like DJI and Autel Robotics, specifically assessing potential national security risks. If this evaluation is not conducted within 12 months impacted manufacturers would be added to the FCC’s “covered list,” which could restrict my access to their products in the future. I agree with making sure the drones are secure, but it should be done based on facts. Because there is a clock, these same drones could be restricted just because security agencies ran out of time. That’s not how things should work.
Please ensure the evaluation mandated by Congress actually takes place by designating an agency like DHS to complete it. Additionally, please remove any deadline that imposes consequences before the review is finished, and make sure that any security risks are made public at the end of the process. I deserve to know what is found – or not found – so I can make decisions accordingly. I made an informed decision to choose the drones I use, and they contain security safeguards. Preventing me from making an informed decision in the future won’t help national security but will put small businesses and public safety agencies at risk by restricting their ability to use the latest drone technology.