Goal Is To Prevent ISIS From Using Its Drones

Following reports of ISIS weaponizing small UAVs, DJI has reportedly taken steps to keep the radical Islamic group from using its aircraft.

Vice News reports that DJI has geofenced much of Syria and Iraq. The internal software in the aircraft now recognizes much of those two countries as "no fly zones" much like airspace around an airport or military installation.

Last fall, DJI has issued a statement saying it was prepared to "provide whatever technical assistance we can" to help prevent the use of its aircraft as instruments of war. 

DJI Spokeswoman Dr. Barbara Stelzner said in an email to Vice News that the company's geofencing system is "designed to advise pilots of airspace restrictions, and was never intended to enforce laws or thwart people who want to misuse our products.” She did not way whether the company was specifically asked to geofence much of Iraq and Syria.

DJI has a page on its website where operators can search for geofenced areas worldwide, though Iraq and Syria are not yet on the list.

“Certain areas vital for aviation safety or national security are marked as restricted in our geofencing system, and we are constantly adjusting those areas to account for temporary conditions that create special restrictions, such as wildfires and major public events,” Stelzner said in the email.

(Image from file)

FMI: Original Report