• Chinese dronemaker DJI sues US over drone ban, says FCC exceeded ‘statutory authority’ The FCC cites national security risks, but DJI says it was denied a fair chance to respond. • Chinese dronemaker DJI has filed a legal challenge against the US Federal Communications Commission, escalating a growing battle over national security and access to the American drone market. • The Shenzhen-based company petitioned the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on Tuesday. • It seeks to overturn the FCC’s decision to place DJI on its Covered List. • The listing effectively blocks new imports of DJI’s foreign-made drones into the United States. • The FCC’s import ban took effect on December 23, 2025.

Article Summaries:

  • Chinese drone manufacturer DJI has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit challenging the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision to place the company on its Covered List, which bars new imports of DJI‑made drones into the United States effective December 23, 2025. DJI argues the FCC exceeded its statutory authority, failed to follow required procedures, and violated the Fifth Amendment, claiming it was denied a fair chance to respond. The FCC cites national‑security risks posed by drones that could be used by hostile actors. The case runs parallel to a Department of Defense review that also listed DJI as a firm linked to the Chinese military.

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