State Agencies Predominantly Buying Chinese Drones: Report

On average, 85% of the drones state agencies purchased from 2010 to 2022 were made in China, and the typical state devoted 76% of its drone spending to Chinese drones, said a report Thursday by the Foundation for American Innovation. “From 2010 to 2022, states spent at least $5.3 million on Chinese drones, and at least $8.1 million on drones overall” and 66% of spending was on Chinese drones, the report said: “Thirty-two states devoted at least half their drone spending to Chinese drones. In 38 states, the majority of drones used by state agencies are Chinese.” Concerns over Chinese drones surfaced on Capitol Hill (see 2303160048) and at the FCC (see 2110190051). Commissioner Brendan Carr warned that China-based DJI has more than half the U.S. drone market. DJI disputes that it's a threat to U.S. security (see 2205120027). With the DOD, “members of Congress, and the Biden administration all expressing concerns about the use of Chinese drones, there is growing political will to reduce dependence on Chinese drones and improve U.S. cybersecurity,” the foundation said.