National security concerns push senators to question US firms on DJI drones
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Two US senators are demanding detailed information from major construction companies about their use of Chinese-made DJI drones in government contracts and at sensitive national security facilities, citing fears that the devices could compromise national security. The letters were sent by Democratic senators Maggie Hassan and Gary Peters to the chief executives of Hensel Phelps, Brasfield & Gorrie and the Bechtel Corporation. The lawmakers have asked for responses by January 15 detailing how many DJI drones the firms own, whether they have waivers for use on government sites, and how the data from drones is managed and protected.
In their letters, the senators wrote that the US government considers the use of Chinese-made drones generally, and DJI drones specifically, a threat to national security and prohibits their use by federal agencies or contractors. They added that using these types of drones at facilities that handle sensitive or secure information could create potential pathways for the transfer of important national security-related data to the Chinese government. Construction companies often deploy drones for tasks such as surveying, mapping and monitoring progress on complex infrastructure projects. DJI products are particularly popular, as the company sells more than half of all commercial drones used in the US.
National security risks and federal restrictions
The senators’ push for greater transparency highlights longstanding national security concerns about Chinese-manufactured technology. The US government has previously banned federal agencies and military units from acquiring or using DJI drones under rules aimed at limiting dependence on foreign adversary equipment. A judge recently upheld the classification of DJI as a company associated with China’s defense industry for purposes of federal procurement restrictions, further limiting the company’s ability to participate in government work.
Regulatory pressure is increasing. The Federal Communications Commission has banned the import of certain foreign-made drones, including DJI models, due to national security concerns. That ruling placed DJI on a federal covered list of companies whose equipment is considered a potential risk. Although existing DJI models in the US are not subject to immediate removal, the restrictions signal a deepening effort to reduce foreign technology presence in sectors tied to critical infrastructure.
The senators cited a report from the General Services Administration’s Office of the Inspector General which found that several contractors have used DJI drones despite existing federal restrictions. One case involved a contractor who used a DJI drone to capture aerial photography at a border crossing site in Arizona. Such examples raise concerns that contractors may still rely on banned technologies in sensitive environments, either knowingly or due to unclear oversight.
DJI responded by defending its technology, stating that its products have passed multiple audits by government agencies and independent reviewers, and have consistently been found safe and secure. Hensel Phelps, one of the companies contacted, stated that it implements strict data protection procedures to prevent data from leaving secure systems. Brasfield & Gorrie and Bechtel did not immediately comment publicly on the issue.
Data security and industry impact
The senators want the companies to disclose not only the number of DJI drones in their fleets, but also whether they have received federal waivers, what types of government sites the drones have been deployed on, and how drone-captured data is managed. Drone systems collect extensive visual, telemetry and operational data. When used at military sites, critical infrastructure projects or government buildings, that data could include sensitive construction layouts, facility locations, or logistical details of interest to foreign adversaries.
The request for transparency is not simply about equipment inventory. It points to growing concern over whether companies working on government-funded infrastructure projects are sufficiently vetting the tools they use and complying with procurement rules. Even as drone use becomes more widespread in construction and logistics, federal policy is becoming increasingly restrictive on the sources and manufacturers of such technology.
Company responses are expected to shape not only the immediate outcome of this inquiry, but potentially also the broader regulatory landscape. If the firms confirm extensive DJI use, that could prompt tighter enforcement and even new legislation around supply chain compliance. If instead they demonstrate strong internal controls or justify waivers for specific use cases, it may create space for more nuanced guidance on permitted drone use under federal contracts.
Regulatory trends and broader geopolitical context
Over the last five years, Congress and federal agencies have intensified scrutiny of Chinese technology in sectors like telecommunications, aviation, and defense. DJI has been named on several federal blacklists and is viewed as a potential data security risk by both the Department of Defense and the Department of Commerce. Federal law already bars the military and other national security entities from using Chinese drones, and newer executive orders have further advised civilian agencies against doing so.
The current congressional inquiry reflects a logical extension of these national policies into the world of private contractors. While federal agencies themselves may be barred from using certain technologies, their contractors often operate with more flexibility. Lawmakers are increasingly focused on closing those gaps and ensuring that security protocols are enforced consistently across both public and private execution of government work.
The use of drones on construction sites is standard practice, offering efficiency and visibility across large and complex projects. But as drones become embedded in national infrastructure development, lawmakers are determined to ensure that oversight evolves just as quickly. At stake is not just the security of a few buildings or border posts, but the integrity of entire procurement and operational ecosystems underpinning federal programs.
The responses due by January 15 may serve as a litmus test for how seriously contractors are taking compliance with evolving national security regulations. They may also provide the basis for new legislation or executive action limiting or regulating the use of foreign-manufactured technology in US government work.
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