Pentagon blacklists Chinese drone maker Autel Robotics

[Eagle928]

Not good. I don't know if we can win this one but we have to try.

Pentagon blacklists Chinese drone maker Autel Robotics

Drone maker Autel Robotics has entered the official blacklist of the US Department of Defense (DoD) with a “Chinese Military Company” tag.

dronedj.com

 

[jaja6009]

It was only a matter of time.

The Anti-Chinese drone crew knows if they get rid of DJI, Autel will gladly fill in their shoes with better products at a lower price point than Made in the USA/BLUE/NDAA compliant drones.

 

[ghost183]

thats the least of the problems to come because of the DOD blacklisted companies....

take a look at who else they blacklisted..

https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-00070.pdf

 

[Eagle928]

thats the least of the problems to come because of the DOD blacklisted companies....

take a look at who else they blacklisted..

https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-00070.pdf

I own 3 Autelrobotics drones. They deny any involvement in the Chinese military. I have to wonder if other countries banned any US made product by a company that does business with the US military, how would that affect those companies. It doesn't have to be true, just being put on the list is enough.

 

[SurfersEyeMedia]

From my experience, if you have any commercial work with the DOD you will not be able to use any drone or equipment that is on this list.

 

[Bankit]

Wow,.. this really sucks! If you read through the long list of companies there is a reconsideration process articulated at the bottom... I hope Autel will try that. It said nothing about an opportunity to support Autel in that process.. Anybody have any better info ??

Bankit

 

[Bankit]

Will this effect the availability of Autel products to consumers like us??

 

[BadMadEd]

Damn Autel completely banned flights in Russia, Ukraine, India, Israel, etc. (important - not in conflict areas, but completely over the territories of countries), I hope with this approach to users they will die as a company.

 

[jaja6009]

Will this effect the availability of Autel products to consumers like us??

If after 1 year either:

An audit is completed that shows that Autel and DJI are threats due to security issues
or
No audit is done

DJI and Autel will be banned. What this looks like is not clear. It could be a ban on any future products or less likely, there will be an outright ban on these drones, meaning you cannot fly older ones and cannot buy newer ones.


There are also US Commerce Dept and the FCC to worry about as they could find ways to ban besides the 2025 NDAA.

In my opinion, we know that Trump runs his administration in his own unique way. If he personally takes an interest in this issue, he will decide.

 

[Gimbalz]

If Autel and DJI are banned from the US, it will only benefit consumers in Asia. Cos they never seemed like they were very keen to sell to Asians all this while. It was only Western consumers that received the most benefits, like better prices, discounts, and customer service. Even though both are Chinese companies, and thus "Asian".