24 February 2026
You've been reading it here, there, and everywhere since last December's FCC decision to add DJI products to America's Covered List.
The move left many of the popular Chinese drone maker's new products restricted for sale and distribution in the United States. (Already approved models can still be sold.)
However, DJI's filing with the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on February 20, 2026 claims the FCC ruling "lacks evidence, violates due process, ignores Constitutional law, and is based on serious procedural flaws and substantive defects."
At the core of the debacle is whether DJI products have once or ever—or even in the future—pose a threat to national security.
Beyond that fear—whether founded or not—DJI is saying it is trying to protect U.S. consumers who rely on the affordability and tech prowess of DJI drone systems.
"This action not only restricts the freedom of choice for American consumers and commercial users, but also undermines the principles of an open and fair competitive market," the company said in a statement.
All kinds of drone users, from hobbyists to first responders to agricultural technology workers and filmmakers, have decried the government's actions to eliminate what they feel are critical tools for their businesses and livelihoods—especially in situations where there are allegedly no viable alternatives from Western drone builders that meet the same pricing and technology levels.
"People are not buying DJI drones because they are Chinese, they are buying them because they are available, highly affordable, and capable," says Greg Reverdiau, cofounder of the Pilot Institute in Prescott, Arizona.
DJI has held more than 70 percent of the global civilian drone market for quite a while, and its drones account for approximately 70 to 90 percent of the consumer, commercial and government drone markets. In addition, upwards of 80 percent of 1,800 state and local law enforcement agencies in the U.S. deploy DJI products.
"People are not buying DJI drones because they are Chinese, they are buying them because they are available, highly affordable, and capable," says Greg Reverdiau, cofounder of the Pilot Institute in Prescott, Arizona.
DJI has held more than 70 percent of the global civilian drone market for quite a while, and its drones account for approximately 70 to 90 percent of the consumer, commercial and government drone markets. In addition, upwards of 80 percent of 1,800 state and local law enforcement agencies in the U.S. deploy DJI products.
