DJI, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of consumer and commercial drones, has filed a DJI Lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). This legal battle follows the DoD’s decision to designate DJI as a “Chinese military company,” a claim the company strongly denies. DJI insists it has no ties to the Chinese military and that its products are solely used for commercial and recreational purposes.
The lawsuit, filed on October 18, 2024, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, is the culmination of over 16 months of attempted dialogue between DJI and the Department of Defense. DJI alleges that during this period, it repeatedly sought to engage with the DoD, providing delisting petitions and other documentation to clear up the matter. According to DJI, the DoD’s classification is based on several errors, including mistaken identity involving common Chinese names and the incorrect application of legal standards.
DJI emphasises that its drones are essential tools for a wide variety of industries, including public safety, agriculture, filmmaking, and construction. In the DJI Lawsuit, the company points out that its products are used by first responders, firefighters, and even hobbyists around the globe, and that they are not designed or marketed for military purposes.
DJI's Statement
DJI stands alone as the only drone company to clearly denounce and actively discourage military use of our products, including suspending all business operations in Russia and Ukraine to try to keep our drones out of the conflict there. There is no reason why DJI has been added to the Defense Department’s list of ‘Chinese military companies.
DJI does not fall under any categories set by the law to be included on the list. DJI is not a military company in China, the United States or anywhere else. DJI has never designed or manufactured military-grade equipment, and has never marketed or sold its products for military use in any country. Instead, we have always developed products to benefit society and save lives.
We stand ready to formally challenge our inclusion on the list.
Despite this, DJI drones have been used in military contexts. For instance, earlier this year, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine purchased over 4,000 DJI Mavic drones to assist in military operations. While this may blur the line between civilian and military use, DJI argues that these drones are consumer-grade and not classified as military equipment. The company has publicly discouraged the use of its drones for warfare and suspended all sales to both Russia and Ukraine during the ongoing conflict.
DJI’s Lawsuit highlights several grievances against the Department of Defense, claiming that the DoD’s report on the company is filled with inaccuracies. One of the main points of contention is the DoD’s assertion that DJI operates within a Chinese military-civil fusion zone. DJI counters this claim by stating that the area in question is home to many multinational corporations, including major American brands like IBM and Intel. The company insists that it operates legally and transparently, with no links to the Chinese military.
As part of the lawsuit, the company seeks to have the DoD’s designation of DJI as a “Chinese military company” revoked, citing the severe financial and reputational damage it has endured as a result. The lawsuit contends that DJI’s employees in the U.S. have faced harassment and stigmatization, and that the company’s sales and business relationships have suffered because of the military label.
The legal battle also comes at a time when the U.S. government is increasingly scrutinizing Chinese technology companies, citing national security concerns. Earlier this year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Countering CCP Drones Act,” which aims to restrict the sale and use of Chinese-made drones, including those made by DJI, due to their perceived risks to national security.
DJI is asking the court to declare the DoD’s classification null and void, arguing that the Department has overstepped its legal boundaries. The lawsuit is not just about clearing the company’s name, but also about ensuring that its business can continue without the shadow of military accusations. As the lawsuit progresses, it will serve as a crucial test of how international companies like DJI navigate the complex geopolitical landscape while safeguarding their reputations.