“Note that DJI has received investment from a PRC state-owned fund, China Chengtong, which openly touts Military-Civil Fusion as a core goal.”
DJI response
According to DJI spokesman Adam Lisberg, the company is the only drone manufacturer to discourage using its aircraft for military purposes and opposes being listed on the blacklist.
“There is no reason why DJI has been added to the Defense Department’s list of ‘Chinese military companies,'” Lisberg told Al Jazeera.
“DJI does not fall under any categories set by the law to be included on the list. DJI is not a military company in China, the United States, or anywhere else. DJI has never designed or manufactured military-grade equipment, and has never marketed or sold its products for military use in any country. Instead, we have always developed products to benefit society and save lives. We stand ready to formally challenge our inclusion on the list,” he added.
DJI, held the title of top drone maker as of March 2021. According to sales volume, the enterprise held a 76 percent market share, followed by Intel, which held a four percent market share. Although DJI is best known for its consumer drones, the business also sells industrial drones for public safety, infrastructure and power line inspection, farming, and other uses.