A decisive moment for the future of DJI and Autel drones in the United States is approaching next month, and the outcome could reshape the entire American drone industry. Under the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the U.S. government was required to conduct a formal security audit of Chinese drone manufacturers — including DJI and Autel Robotics — before any restrictions or bans could be enacted. However, despite the law’s requirements, no audit has been initiated.

If the deadline passes without the audit being completed, DJI and Autel could be automatically added to the Federal Communications Commission’s “Covered List.” Being placed on this list would block new products from receiving FCC certification — which is mandatory for drones sold or operated in the United States. In practical terms, this would halt the introduction of any new DJI or Autel drones into the U.S. market, regardless of their safety, quality, or compliance history.

DJI has publicly stated that it welcomes the audit and is prepared to cooperate fully. The company has undergone numerous independent evaluations globally and continues to affirm that its platforms are secure and suitable for both commercial and public-safety operations. Autel Robotics has voiced similar readiness for transparent review. Yet with no U.S. agency stepping forward to perform the audit, both companies face significant consequences that stem solely from governmental inaction rather than any proven security concerns.

The potential impact on the American drone ecosystem is substantial. DJI and Autel are two of the most widely used drone brands in the United States. They support thousands of small businesses, first responders, infrastructure inspection teams, agricultural operators, surveyors, and content creators. A sudden halt to new product certifications would not immediately affect existing drones already in circulation, but it would severely restrict future upgrades, fleet expansion, and replacements.

Police departments, fire services, and search-and-rescue teams could face equipment shortages or be forced to switch to less familiar platforms. Small businesses that depend heavily on DJI and Autel technology could face unexpected operational and financial pressures. Even major industries such as construction, utilities, real estate, and filmmaking would feel the ripple effects.

Furthermore, the structure of the NDAA creates a regulatory dilemma. The law mandates an audit but does not assign clear responsibility for conducting it. Nor does it provide a fallback plan if no agency steps up. As a result, the deadline could silently trigger a major industry disruption without any actual national-security findings — a scenario critics argue undermines the spirit of due process.

U.S.-based users are being encouraged by advocacy groups to contact lawmakers and request urgent action: either ensure the audit is completed or modify the deadline so the process can proceed as intended. For many, the issue is not about shielding specific companies but about preserving access to high-quality, affordable drone technology that supports vital day-to-day operations across the country.

As the deadline approaches, the stakes continue to rise. The coming weeks will determine whether the U.S. chooses a path of transparent evaluation — or one where bureaucratic silence triggers an unintended, nationwide drone ban.

Make your voice heard 👉 U.S.-based users can visit this link https://droneadvocacyalliance.com/?vvsrc=%2Fcampaigns%2F130140%2Frespond or text “drones” to 50457