DJI vs. Pentagon: A Drone Showdown!
Well, folks, it’s not every day you get to see a legal battle between the world’s largest drone manufacturer and the US Department of Defense. I mean, who thought we’d be watching DJI take the Pentagon to court? If only they could settle it with a drone race; we’d save on legal fees. Fasten your seatbelts as we dive into the airspace of this feud!
DJI, the champions of aerial photography—better known as the brand that turned countless weddings into cinematic trailers—has been feeling a bit unfairly treated. The Pentagon recently added DJI to its list of companies allegedly linked to the Chinese military. A bold claim! Surely they could’ve at least invited DJI to the court before sending off the invitations for this “exclusive” list?
‘AGREEMENTS ARE BEING TERMINATED’
In a lawsuit worthy of a dramatic courtroom thriller, DJI argues that it has lost business deals and—as if that wasn’t enough—has been dubbed a national security threat. How very James Bond-like! But instead of weapons, it’s all about motors and propellers. The company claims that this “unlawful and misguided decision” from the Department of Defense has resulted in federal contractors showing them the door faster than you can say “drone technology.”
And it seems the fallout is real. Customers, both domestic and international, are reportedly cutting ties with DJI like it’s a bad date, leaving them with a rather empty dance card. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has been silent on the matter—more silent than a drone hovering in the sky—leaving DJI no choice but to turn to the federal court to clear the air, or should I say the skies?
THERE ARE OTHER CHINESE COMPANIES IN THE LIST
So, what’s the deal with this blacklist? Well, in the backdrop of increasingly strained relations—because what’s a good international relationship without a little drama?—the list includes big names like aerospace heavyweight AVIC and memory chip maker YMTC. It’s like the Pentagon’s version of a naughty corner, and it seems the entire crowd from the Forbidden City is getting a ticket to the show.
And if you think this is a one-off drama, think again! In a plot twist straight out of a soap opera, lidar maker Hesai Group recently threw its hat into the ring, challenging its own designation as a military company. They got a brief reprieve when the Pentagon removed them—only to have the list summoned back to reality quicker than a bad sequel! Unlimited budget cuts on military designations, anyone?
You’ve got to hand it to DJI, though. They’re not just putting up with this like a drone sitting quietly on a shelf. No, they’re taking action, and let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good legal face-off? Perhaps the Pentagon could use a bit of creative vision. If they really want to strengthen national security, they could invest in a few drone enthusiasts instead of just slapping labels on companies. After all, who better than the drone makers to know about airborne threats?
In conclusion, this legal drama is just getting started. As drones zip around, the legal eagles at DJI are readying their case. Will this end in a dramatic courtroom victory or a sudden drone dive back into the shadows of obscurity? Stay tuned, because in this plot line, the skies are definitely not the limit!
China-based drone manufacturer DJI filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Defense after it was added to the list of companies affiliated with the Chinese army.
DJI, the world’s largest drone manufacturer, which sells more than half of all commercial drones in the US, has been removed from the Pentagon’s list of ‘Chinese military companies’ by a court in Washington, saying it is ‘not owned or controlled by the Chinese military’. He asked for it to be removed.
‘AGREEMENTS ARE BEING TERMINATED’
DJI’s lawsuit said it lost business deals, was branded a national security threat, and was banned from contracting with multiple federal government agencies due to the Department of Defense’s “unlawful and misguided decision.”
The company added that US and international customers are terminating their existing contracts with DJI and refusing to enter into new ones.
DJI stated that the Ministry of Defense had not contacted the company on this issue for more than 16 months and that they had no choice but to apply to the federal court.
THERE ARE OTHER CHINESE COMPANIES IN THE LIST
The updated list, amid tense relations between the world’s two largest economies, is one of steps Washington has taken to restrict Chinese companies that Beijing thinks could strengthen its military.
The list also includes major Chinese companies such as aerospace company AVIC, memory chip maker YMTC, China Mobile and energy company CNOOC.
In May, lidar maker Hesai Group (ZN80y.F) opened a new tab lawsuit challenging the Pentagon’s Chinese military designation for the company. On Wednesday, the Pentagon removed Hesai from the list, but said it would immediately re-list the China-based company for national security reasons.
