DJI, the Chinese drone manufacturer, has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Defense, challenging its designation as a “military company.” The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., names Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Deputy Defense Secretary Laura Taylor-Kale. DJI argues that the Pentagon’s designation is harming its business and that its products are strictly for commercial and consumer use, not military operations.
One of DJI’s attorneys is former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, who served under President Obama. Lynch’s involvement has drawn sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers like Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY). Stefanik condemned Lynch for working on behalf of a company that the Pentagon has identified as a potential security threat. Stefanik argued that American officials should be focused on protecting the country’s security, not advocating for foreign companies.
DJI claims that the Pentagon has refused to provide any rationale for its classification as a military company. The drone maker said it had tried to engage with the Department of Defense for over a year but received no response. Now, DJI is seeking legal action to clear its name and remove the military designation.
The lawsuit comes amid broader concerns about Chinese technology and national security. Last month, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would ban future imports of DJI drones into the U.S. The bill now awaits action in the Senate.
