World Agrochemicals Network Report: If the U.S. government fails to complete a security review by December 23, DJI, which supplies the vast majority of spraying drones to American farmers, will be unable to launch new models in the U.S. Furthermore, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may revoke the authorization for existing models.

An obscure clause in last year's defense spending bill requires government agencies to determine whether Chinese drone manufacturers DJI and Autel pose a threat to U.S. national security. If the relevant agencies fail to submit a report by December 23, these two companies will be added to the FCC's "Covered List" of communications equipment and services, deemed to pose an "unacceptable risk" to national security.

DJI stated that being placed on this list would prevent its future drone models from receiving FCC approval, and the FCC's newly granted authority could also lead to the revocation of authorizations for existing models.

Adam Welsh, DJI's Global Policy Director, told AgFunderNews: "Currently, we are calling for a reasonable extension of the deadline to allow for a truly fact-based review. As of today, it is very difficult to conduct a comprehensive and compliant audit within the limited time remaining before the deadline. Although Congress mandated this security assessment in Section 1709 of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, it did not clearly designate the specific responsible agency."

When asked about the implications of the FCC's new authority for DJI's existing models already deployed in the U.S. market, he responded: "On October 28, the FCC voted to grant itself the authority to revoke FCC certifications for companies on the 'Covered List.'"

"To our understanding, any previously approved product would need to undergo a formal process for re-evaluation before its certification is revoked. This means revocation would not be automatic or immediate. Additionally, this would not affect products already in the hands of consumers but would impact the manufacturer's ability to market and sell products in the U.S."

Proposal to Collaborate with Federal Agencies "Gone Unanswered"

In a letter dated December 1 to several government agencies responsible for national security, Welsh stated that the company's proposal to collaborate with federal agencies "has gone unanswered."

He added: "Time is running out. We once again urge that this review be initiated immediately to avoid DJI products being automatically placed on the FCC's 'Covered List' due to failure to complete the review before December 23."

This development comes as DJI is experiencing a difficult year. The company told Reuters that U.S. Customs and Border Protection has seized some of its drone imports on grounds of "potential use of forced labor," which DJI calls "baseless and completely false."

In October, DJI appealed a court ruling upholding the U.S. Department of Defense's designation of the company as a "Chinese military company." While this ruling does not affect DJI's operations in the U.S., it effectively bars the company from federal contracts.

This ruling is just the latest in a series of setbacks for DJI. Over the past few years, the company has been strenuously fighting attempts by U.S. lawmakers to restrict its business in the country, based on what DJI calls "inaccurate and unsubstantiated allegations."

The company stated in mid-2024 that "a rough estimate is that about four-fifths of agricultural drones used by U.S. farmers are DJI models," but did not provide 2025 data. However, a spokesperson revealed: "In the U.S., DJI's partner network grew by 200% from 2023 to 2024."

American Autonomy Inc.: "How to Turn Chaos into Opportunity?"

As the future of DJI drones in the U.S. becomes uncertain, Rantizo, a core supplier of spraying services relying on DJI drones, recently sold its spraying drone service business and established a new company—American Autonomy Inc.—focusing on providing software solutions for the U.S. spraying drone industry.

CEO Mariah Scott told AgFunderNews: "For the past year and a half, we have been actively working with other spraying drone dealers to raise awareness about the impending ban on DJI. But about six months ago, we held a strategy meeting to discuss 'what we think will happen and how to turn this chaos into an opportunity?'"

"We predicted that DJI would be banned, and their imports are already being restricted, which creates an opportunity for new drone manufacturers to enter the market. Therefore, we decided to sell our spraying service business to a private investment group and instead focus on the software side."

"We developed operational software that allows farmers to control their own data and connect it with other applications they use, such as John Deere Operations Center. This software is based on our spraying drone operation software, Acre Connect."

"In October, we announced our first partnership—with Exedy Drones. This automotive manufacturer will produce drones in Michigan, and they needed a partner who could develop high-quality software and understands agriculture. Currently, we are in talks with other manufacturers trying to enter this market."

Data is Usable, Shareable, and Compatible with Farmers' Existing Relied-Upon Systems

Scott said that despite the recent closure of the U.S. drone manufacturer Guardian Agriculture, new players are entering the market, including both brand-new companies and existing drone manufacturers venturing into agricultural spraying. "We are currently in communication with about 50 manufacturers."

While other drone companies find it difficult to compete with DJI—Scott likened DJI to Apple for preferring to design and produce all components in-house—she stated that the new wave of participants is adopting a different strategy. "Manufacturers can focus on building high-quality aircraft, while we focus on developing high-quality software, ensuring it can connect with other applications farmers use, such as farm management systems or accounting software."

She added: "One thing farmers like about ground spraying equipment is that it can connect with (Bayer's) Climate FieldView or John Deere Operations Center, and data is transmitted accurately where needed. We believe the fact that drone data has been locked inside the controller has been an obstacle to its adoption. We understand that farmers expect drones to be interoperable between devices, just like other agricultural equipment."

"We are helping U.S. drone manufacturers provide software that makes data usable, shareable, and compatible with the systems farmers already rely on."

The Evolving Agricultural Spraying Drone Market

She also said: "Ten years ago, the supply chain wasn't mature enough, so it was indeed necessary to design and manufacture all components independently. Nowadays, there are many modular components available, such as flight controllers, motors, etc. The numerous different suppliers make it easier for new entrants to enter the market. But they still need manufacturing expertise and high-quality software to produce competitive systems."

Although some components come from China (Chinese products face tariffs, and the U.S. Department of Commerce may be considering further restrictions), she said: "Most manufacturers we are in talks with understand that for long-term development, they need to shift their supply chains to the U.S. as much as possible."

Discussing the core areas where agricultural spraying drones hold an advantage in the U.S. market, Scott stated: "Drones are highly effective in precise pesticide application and emergency treatments, such as dealing with fungal diseases requiring quick action under variable weather conditions. They also excel in irrigated fields and complex terrain operations."