![risks chinese drones](https://dronelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1024px-Autel_EVO_II_Pro_V3_FA3XWRMFNT_2-2-2024-630x350.jpg)
Chairs of Homeland Security and Energy and Commerce Committees Urge DHS and DOE to Release Information on Potential Threats
On June 20, 2024, House Committee on Homeland Security Chair Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN), and House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to declassify information related to national security threats posed by drones manufactured within the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The request highlights drones made by DJI and Autel Robotics (Autel), which together hold a major share of the worldwide drone market.
In their letter addressed to DHS’ Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Director Jen Easterly and DOE’s Principal Deputy Under Secretary Derek Passarelli, Green and Rodgers argue that public interest outweighs any justification for keeping these findings classified. They state, “It has come to our attention that there are findings from Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) pertaining to national security risks related to drones which have been produced, manufactured, or assembled within the PRC.”
The Risks of Chinese Drones
The letter underscores the complexity added by the widespread use of DJI and Autel drones by state and native law enforcement agencies within the U.S. The members express concern over potential cybersecurity risks and the broader implications for national security. “The widespread adoption of PRC drones by SLTT law enforcement agencies may inadvertently expose them to cybersecurity risks that should not well understood, while concurrently undermining our national security,” the letter states.
The decision for declassification follows a series of actions and warnings from various federal agencies regarding the safety risks related to Chinese-manufactured drones. In August 2017, Homeland Security Investigations issued an alert warning that DJI drones could be providing U.S. critical infrastructure and law enforcement data to the Chinese government. Subsequent measures included a halt in procurement of DJI drones by the Department of Defense and a placement of DJI on the Department of Commerce’s Entity List.
Recent legislative actions reflect growing concern over these issues. The House of Representatives recently passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 12 months 2025, which incorporates a provision potentially banning the sale of DJI drones within the U.S. Moreover, latest laws goals to reauthorize and reform counter-UAS authorities and prohibit DHS from financing drones from certain foreign adversarial countries.
The letter concludes with a call for transparency, stating, “There’s a powerful public interest in understanding the threats posed by PRC-manufactured drones. As several federal agencies and departments have taken considerable motion based on classified information, it’s well past time that Congress, SLTT law enforcement agencies, and the American public receive answers to questions regarding PRC drones which have remained outstanding for several years.”
Green and Rodgers have requested a briefing on the matter for Committee staff by July 2, 2024. The request can be addressed to key officials, including the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretaries of DHS and DOE.
Read more: