Chinese drone manufacturer DJI has escalated its legal battle against the U.S. Department of Defense, filing an appeal this week to challenge its inclusion on a controversial military blacklist. The move comes after a U.S. District Court dismissed allegations against the Shenzhen-based company but maintained its designation on the Pentagon's list of purported 'Chinese military companies.'
DJI first contested the listing in October 2024, arguing its commercial drones serve civilian purposes worldwide. While the court rejected the Defense Department's claims about DJI's operations, it declined to remove the company from the list – a decision DJI called 'legally flawed' in its appeal filing.
The case highlights growing tensions in U.S.-China tech relations, with business analysts warning such listings could disrupt global supply chains. DJI controls over 70% of the consumer drone market, with products widely used in filmmaking, agriculture, and emergency response operations across 100+ countries.
Legal experts suggest the appeal could set important precedents for how U.S. courts handle national security designations affecting international businesses. The outcome may influence investment decisions in emerging technologies and cross-border commercial partnerships.
