Today, House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, along with John Moolenaar and Rick Crawford, requested the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to expedite a national security review of Chinese drone manufacturers. This request is in line with Section 1709 of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Chairwoman Stefanik has secured provisions in the FY25 NDAA that require CCP-drone manufacturers DJI, Autel Robotics, and their subsidiaries to be placed on the FCC’s Covered List within a year unless deemed not a national security risk by a national security agency.
The lawmakers’ request follows an Executive Order from President Trump emphasizing U.S. leadership in drone technology and secure domestic production. The substantial market presence of DJI Technologies and Autel Robotics necessitates this comprehensive review under Section 1709.
In their letter, the lawmakers stated: “We write to request that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) promptly initiate and complete a national security review pursuant to Section 1709 of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 118-159). Given the recently issued Executive Order dated June 6, 2025, prioritizing accelerated integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into our national airspace, timely execution of this review is essential.”
They continued: “Section 1709 directs appropriate national security agencies to evaluate whether communications or video surveillance equipment produced by entities such as Shenzhen Da-Jiang Innovations Sciences and Technologies Company Limited (DJI Technologies) and Autel Robotics, including their subsidiaries and affiliates, pose unacceptable risks to U.S. national security and the safety of U.S. persons.”
The lawmakers added: “The recent Executive Order emphasizes U.S. leadership in drone technology, stresses the need for secure domestic production and supply chains, and recognizes the importance of minimizing undue foreign influence. Given the substantial market presence and existing use of equipment from DJI Technologies, Autel Robotics, and related entities in the United States, a comprehensive and expedited review under Section 1709 is critical.”
They further stated: “To align with the urgency expressed in the Executive Order, we request that ODNI conclude this review and issue its determinations within 30 days from the date of this letter. Should you find these entities present unacceptable risks, we urge immediate notification of the Federal Communications Commission for timely placement of these entities on the Covered List per statutory guidelines.”
The lawmakers concluded: “Please inform our offices as soon as possible of this review’s initiation, anticipated completion date, and your preliminary findings.”
