|
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works. |
In a press release from the FCC, the US has done something we've long feared they would decide to do, which is cast the ban hammer at DJI and forbid the import of new drones into the United States from DJI and other foreign drone manufacturers that use DJI or other foreign components.
What I was most concerned about was the parts availability. Even if you have an existing drone that is legally in the USA, you may not be able to get any parts for that in the future. While for small commercial drones this isn't much of a problem, but DJI also sells drones to agriculture, police, and rescue, and these are far more costly investments. The press release mentions parts and includes them in its wide sweeping assessment.
the FCC received a specific determination that UAS and UAS critical component parts that are produced in foreign countries pose “unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of U.S. persons” and should be included on the FCC’s Covered List, unless the Department of War or the Department of Homeland Security makes a specific determination to the FCC that a given UAS, class of UAS, or UAS critical component does not pose such risks.
Many of the commercial drone parts, such as motors, batteries, and electronic speed controllers, are manufactured in China, but some of these parts have been approved. As sources told DefenseScoop;
“It’s a big enough problem that we should do something. If you don’t have motors, you can’t fly a drone,” said a former senior defense official who was granted anonymity to speak freely.
“And I think if you had to pick the top three [Chinese components that are currently in Blue UAS-approved platforms], it would be the motors, the batteries and the electric speed controllers — if you want to call them, like, ‘dumb’ parts,'” they noted.
The writing was on the wall for DJI drones even before this press announcement, as DJI just didn't even bother releasing its new drones in the United States. Drones like the Mavic 4 Pro are available at B&H Photo, and even on sale right now.
The FCC claims that this barring will “unleash American drone dominance”. However, that remains to be seen, as so many parts, and even the scale of manufacturing between the United States and China, are at multiple orders of magnitude. There is a handful of BlueUSA drones available, but even small drones that would be in the $1000 range from Chinese manufacturers are listed for well over $5,000. Putting them firmly out of the range of hobbyists.
How this all shakes out is anyone's guess – but if you have a mission-critical DJI or other foreign drone in your business, I would stock up on spare parts now versus later. Just to be on the safe side.
0 comments