Why It Matters

DJI Technology Inc. faces a Congress that is moving rapidly to restrict or ban Chinese-made drones on national security grounds. The December 23, 2025 deadline could trigger an automatic addition of DJI to the FCC’s "Covered List"—effectively ending the company’s ability to sell new products in the United States.

Bipartisan lawmakers, backed by domestic competitors like Skydio, view DJI as a national security risk and are advancing legislation through must-pass bills like the FY2026 NDAA. DJI’s strategy is to deploy deep congressional expertise—including the January 2025 hiring of 20-year House veteran Timothy Ranstrom—to either soften legislative language or delay automatic regulatory action.

By the Numbers

DJI Technology Inc. spent $650,000 on in-house lobbying in Q3 2025, intensifying its defensive posture against congressional pressure. The company has filed 155 total disclosures since 2016, spending over $17.4 million to date.

The Q3 filing represents a strategic shift toward in-house operations. DJI brought on three lobbyists, led by Timothy J. Ranstrom, who has filed four disclosures totaling $1.94 million since joining in January. Adam Welsh joined in April and filed three times for $1.56 million.

Previously, DJI relied on external firms including K&L Gates LLP and Cassidy & Associates Inc.. The shift toward congressional insiders signals DJI’s assessment that its challenges require direct, sustained access to lawmakers.

The Agenda

DJI Technology Inc. is targeting provisions in H.R. 5371 (Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026) and S. 2296 (NDAA for Fiscal Year 2026) that would restrict foreign unmanned aircraft systems.

The lobbying focuses on three areas: Aviation/Aircraft/Airlines (UAS policy for law enforcement and public safety), Trade (supply chain regulations), and Homeland Security (Defense Department authorization and analysis of UAS entities).

Congress is advancing legislation like the Drones for First Responders Act to impose tariffs on Chinese drones and fund U.S. alternatives. DJI faces potential FCC Covered List designation, which would effectively ban its products.

Broader Context

Congress is aggressively restricting Chinese drone technology. The FY2026 NDAA contains expanded language targeting foreign UAS, while the FCC recently voted to retroactively restrict Chinese equipment.

Senator Rick Scott has explicitly pushed for DJI authorization revocations and a total Chinese drone ban by 2031. Meanwhile, competitor Skydio is lobbying the same bills with opposite goals—positioning to capture DJI’s market share.

The Pentagon’s "Blue UAS" initiative has certified 23 alternative systems from domestic manufacturers, explicitly excluding Chinese equipment. This creates alternatives ready to replace DJI across government procurement.

Between The Lines

Multiple legislative vehicles threaten DJI’s U.S. presence. The FY2026 NDAA and H.R. 5371 contain provisions requiring analysis of foreign UAS entities, with the December 23, 2025 deadline triggering automatic FCC action.

Recent congressional hearings have intensified pressure. The House Armed Services hearing highlighted the Pentagon’s "Blue UAS" initiative, while the House Select Committee on the CCP labeled DJI a "Chinese military company."

Competitive Landscape

Skydio Inc. is actively lobbying identical legislation as DJI but with opposite goals, promoting U.S.-made drones for national security. Wing Aviation LLC, an Alphabet affiliate, also supports broader U.S. drone industry advocacy.

This competitive dynamic reinforces a congressional narrative of protecting a burgeoning American drone sector from a dominant foreign competitor, creating formidable headwinds for DJI’s defensive campaign.

The Bottom Line

DJI’s $650,000 Q3 lobbying spend reflects the severity of threats to its dominant U.S. market position. With bipartisan congressional momentum building and domestic competitors actively lobbying for restrictions, DJI’s window to influence the December deadline is rapidly closing.