Pentagon Challenges DJI Petition, Citing National Security Concerns and Classified Data

Department of Defense Submission to FCC Highlights Security Concerns Over Foreign Drone Technology

A memorandum recently filed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) urges the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reject a petition from DJI, a prominent drone manufacturer, seeking reconsideration of its placement on the FCC’s Covered List. This filing represents one of the most direct statements from the Pentagon regarding the potential security implications of foreign-made drone systems.

The memorandum was submitted through the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) as part of the agency’s ongoing review of DJI’s challenge. It articulates the DoD’s position that certain foreign-manufactured unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) pose risks to U.S. national security and public safety.

DoD: Foreign UAS Pose “Unacceptable Risk”

In its filing, the Department of Defense asserts that specific foreign-made drone technologies present what it terms an “unacceptable risk” to the United States. The memorandum supports the FCC’s earlier decision to include DJI and other foreign drones and components on its Covered List, which restricts the use of certain communications equipment deemed to pose national security concerns.

The DoD’s argument focuses on the potential for sensitive data exposure, as well as broader issues related to supply chain security and foreign influence. Although much of the analysis remains classified, the memo indicates that both classified and unclassified intelligence have informed the government’s stance.

The filing also references a classified annex submitted to Congress in early April 2026, which reportedly contains additional evidence supporting the security assessment of foreign drone systems.

Reinforcing the FCC’s Covered List Authority

The memorandum reinforces the FCC’s authority to maintain and enforce the Covered List under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act. By opposing DJI’s petition for reconsideration, the Department of Defense effectively supports the FCC’s existing determination that the company’s products fall under national security restrictions.

This filing does not propose new regulatory measures but rather strengthens the existing framework and argues against revisiting prior determinations. This position aligns with broader U.S. government efforts to evaluate and restrict certain foreign technologies in critical infrastructure and communications systems.

What Comes Next

The FCC will review the complete record, including the Department of Defense memorandum, before making a final determination on DJI’s petition. The outcome could have significant implications not only for DJI but also for how federal agencies approach foreign-made drone technology in general.

While the memorandum does not establish new policy, it signals the Pentagon’s current position and highlights the importance of national security considerations in shaping the future of the U.S. drone market. The Department of Defense filing provides insight into how national security agencies are framing the risks associated with foreign drone technology, which may influence the regulatory environment for commercial operators, public safety agencies, and manufacturers in the years to come.