The DJI Government Edition drones were approved for use by a Department of Defense audit that stated, “The DJI Government Edition versions tested show no malicious code or intent and are recommended for use by government agencies and armed forces involved with US Services work. ”
The Pentagon’s report examined the DJI Government Edition Mavic Pro and the DJI Government Edition Matrice 600 Pro. The author of the report examined numerous concerns identified in a previous audit and found solutions to the issues it deemed critical. The remaining problems, according to the report, “were not considered to be a significant problem and can be mitigated if necessary or on the basis of the circumstances”.
The release marks the latest step in the complex relationship between the US Department of Defense and the world’s largest drone manufacturer.
DJI has been defending the security of its platform since a 2017 U.S. Army memo called for a ban on the use of DJI products due to safety concerns. Following the memo, DJI developed its Government Edition platform in collaboration with the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), one of the government’s largest users of commercial (COTS) drones. Despite their efforts, DOI had to shut down its entire fleet of drones – primarily used for forest fire and environmental protection applications – in 2020 in response to pressure to move away from China-made technology.
DJI has claimed that its government and commercial platforms are secure and that no data from its products is transmitted to DJI itself or to the Chinese government, as some lawmakers fear: An independent review by the consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton also found no evidence of security leaking. DJI has consistently urged the US government to set specific safety specifications instead of banning the use of technologies based on country of origin, which increases prices for consumers and limits innovation.
“This US government report is the strongest confirmation to date of what we and independent security validators have been saying in years – DJI drones are safe for government and corporate operations,” said DJI spokesman Adam Lisberg.
As the U.S. enters another dangerous forest fire season, the Pentagon report on the government’s clearance of DJI drones for use could help the Home Office recharge its drone program and redistribute its existing fleet for mapping, surveillance, and public land protection use.
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional marketplace for drone services, and a passionate observer of the emerging drone industry and regulatory environment for drones. Author of over 3,000 articles focusing on the commercial drone space, Miriam is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam graduated from the University of Chicago and has over 20 years experience in high-tech sales and marketing for emerging technologies.
For advice or writing in the drone industry, email Miriam.
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