Will Banning DJI be a Shake-Up or a Shake-Down? H.R. 2864

DJI, a market leader in commercial drones, has become a lightning rod for controversy in our world

Stephen Sutton from Flyby Guys created an excellent video over the weekend that got me thinking. I had not thought about associated apps.

H.R. 2864 wants to clip the wings of Chinese-made drones in the US. This bill seeks to ban DJI, Autel and any other Chinese machine, citing national security concerns.

Calls for outright bans, particularly in the US, paint a dramatic picture of an industry under siege. But is this a genuine shake-up for innovation, or a panic-stricken retreat into protectionism?

There’s no denying DJI’s meteoric rise. Their legendary ability to capture market share, often credited to aggressive pricing and strategic partnerships (LEOs), certainly caught competitors off guard. The demise of 3DR ((1) yes they are back but not like they were)), served as a stark reminder of the competitive landscape, 3DR released a product, DJI undercut on price.

However, attributing DJI’s success solely to market “greed” and AUVSI glorification in the USA ignores the complex dynamics at play. International Trade in Arms Regulations (ITAR) in the US have long been criticized for tying the hands of domestic drone manufacturers. Restrictive export controls make competing on a global scale challenging, effectively ceding market share to less encumbered companies like DJI.

America alone isn’t a big enough market. Even the most innovative, US-born drone technology struggles to scale without international reach. This leaves the industry vulnerable to foreign giants like DJI.

Now, enter the AUVSI Green Scheme, a proposed safety certification program with a hefty $100,000 price tag per bit you need approval.

This barrier to entry, coupled with the existing funding challenges faced by startups, paints a bleak picture for small-scale innovation. The fear is that by the time a company can afford Green certification, they’ll be years (and millions) behind established players like DJI.

But is banning DJI, or imposing restrictive schemes, the answer?

Such knee-jerk reactions risk stifling the very innovation they aim to protect. History shows that protectionism rarely fosters true advancement. Instead, it can create complacency, hindering domestic companies from competing on a global level.

It’s equally simplistic to paint DJI as the villain. They capitalized on an opportunity created by a combination of factors, including US regulations and their own strategic approach. Attributing their success solely to Chinese government help ignores the realities of the market and the missteps of competitors.

Instead of demonizing DJI, the focus should shift towards fostering a healthy competitive environment. Streamlining regulations like ITAR, investing in domestic research and development, and prioritizing accessible pilot, safety and airframe certifications would empower US companies to truly compete.

The drone industry stands at a crossroads. Banning DJI might offer a temporary reprieve, but it won’t solve the underlying issues.

True innovation thrives on competition, not protectionism. By addressing the systemic challenges that hinder US drone manufacturers, they could create an environment where both domestic and international players can flourish, leading to safer, more advanced drone technology for everyone.

With thanks to KF for the image, if it caught your attention you might want to look here