Concerns Raised About Security Of Chinese-Made Aircraft

The U.S. Department of the Interior has grounded most of its drones over concerns that the Chinese-made aircraft and components may present a security risk.

According to a report from Fortune, the DOI operates a fleet of 810 drones which are used for missions ranging from monitoring floods and fires, dam inspections and tracking endangered species. Of those aircraft, about 15 percent are manufactured entirely by Chinese drone giant DJI, and every drone contains components that are made in China.

Some lawmakers have been pushing for a ban on the use of Chinese-made drones by the U.S. government over concerns that the aircraft may be sending data to servers in China. The DOI this summer wrapped up a 15 month review which the department said led to the development of strategies that would ensure sensitive information would not leak to foreign governments.

Last month, the American Security Drone Act was introduced in the U.S. Senate. The bill would force all federal entities to stop using Chinese-made drones. That led to an announcement Wednesday by Interior Secretary David Bernhardt that all drones not being used for emergency purposes would be grounded pending a full review. In a statement provided to the online publication The Verge, a State Department spokesperson said that "Until this review is completed, the Secretary has directed that drones manufactured in China or made from Chinese components be grounded unless they are currently being utilized for emergency purposes, such as fighting wildfires, search and rescue, and dealing with natural disasters that may threaten life or property."

DJI said in a statement that it is "disappointed" by the decision by the DOI. "We will continue to support the Department of Interior and provide assistance as it reviews its drone fleet so the agency can quickly resume the use of drones to help federal workers conduct vital operations," the company said.

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report
Source report