Chinese drone giant DJI has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission after the agency effectively banned foreign-made drones from the U.S. market. The December 2025 decision placed DJI and other overseas manufacturers on the FCC’s “covered list,” which flags equipment deemed a national security risk.
In its filing with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, DJI argues the ruling is unlawful and devastating to its business. The company claims the FCC exceeded its authority, failed to follow required procedures, and violated constitutional protections.
“Prove the threat” — DJI pushes back hard
DJI says regulators never actually demonstrated that its products pose a security danger. According to the company, repeated attempts to engage with U.S. officials were ignored, leaving it no opportunity to address or rebut the allegations.
In a public statement, DJI argued the agency can only blacklist products that present a proven national security threat — something it says has never been shown. The company contends the decision is both procedurally flawed and unconstitutional.
A massive opening for U.S. drone makers
The ban arrives at a strategically sensitive moment. The U.S. military and domestic manufacturers are racing to expand drone production and capabilities, particularly as small unmanned systems reshape modern warfare and surveillance.
By sidelining the world’s dominant consumer drone maker, the ruling effectively clears the field for American companies to capture market share at home. Whether the courts uphold or overturn the ban could shape the future of the U.S. drone industry — and determine whether DJI remains grounded in one of its most important markets.