DJI

SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd.

Company type	Private
Industry	Technology, Consumer electronics, Drones
Founded	2006
Founder	Frank Wang
Headquarters	Shenzhen , China
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Frank Wang (Founder)
Products	Commercial unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), camera equipment, gimbal stabilization systems, propulsion units, enterprise software, agricultural drones, flight control technologies
Owner	Private shareholders including state-related investors with less than 6% shares and under 1% voting power
Number of employees	14,000 (2024)
Website	www.dji.com

SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd.—also known as Shenzhen Da-Jiang Innovations Sciences and Technologies Ltd. () and commonly referred to as DJI ()—is a technology enterprise based in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China. The company specializes in the production of commercial unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), primarily designed for aerial imaging and video capture. DJI’s portfolio encompasses camera equipment, gimbal stabilization systems, propulsion units, enterprise-level software solutions, agricultural drone machinery, and flight control technologies.

As of June 2024, DJI commands more than 90% of the worldwide consumer drone market. Its drone innovations are extensively utilized within music production, television broadcasting, and filmmaking sectors. Additionally, DJI’s equipment is employed by military and law enforcement agencies as well as terrorist organizations, leading the company to enforce access restrictions.

Concerns regarding privacy and security have been associated with DJI’s products, which have been actively used by combatants from all factions during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Despite sanctions imposed by the U.S. government that classify DJI as a "Chinese Military Company," DJI drones continue to be accessible and operational within the United States.

History

Established in 2006 by Frank Wang (Wāng Tāo, ), a native of Hangzhou, Zhejiang, DJI began its journey when Wang enrolled at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) in 2003. During his studies, he developed initial prototypes of flight control modules for drones within his dormitory. These early components were sold to academic institutions and Chinese electrical firms, generating capital that enabled Wang to move to Shenzhen and expand his workforce. The company’s early phase experienced slow progress with notable staff turnover attributed to Wang’s stringent management approach. Initial funding was provided by family friend Lu Di, who contributed US$90,000 and oversaw financial matters.

By 2009, DJI’s components facilitated a drone flight circumnavigating Mt. Everest’s summit. In 2010, Swift Xie Jia was recruited to lead marketing efforts as DJI targeted hobbyist drone markets beyond China. The following year, Wang collaborated with Colin Guinn to launch DJI North America aimed at mass-market penetration; however, internal disputes resulted in the subsidiary’s closure in 2013 and subsequent legal resolution.

DJI introduced its inaugural fully assembled consumer drone—the Phantom—in 2013 at a price point of $629. This model provided an accessible aerial photography platform that rapidly secured dominance within the consumer drone segment. The Phantom 3 iteration released in 2015 incorporated live video streaming capabilities, further enhancing its appeal. By this time, DJI had ascended to become the largest global manufacturer of consumer drones, surpassing competitors and driving many out of business. That year also marked the inception of DJI's RoboMaster Robotics Competition—an international collegiate robot combat tournament hosted in Shenzhen.

In November 2015, DJI entered into a strategic alliance with Hasselblad, acquiring a controlling interest by January 2019.

DJI earned a Technology and Engineering Emmy Award in 2017 for its pioneering camera drone technology utilized in prominent television productions such as The Amazing Race and Game of Thrones. That same year, Frank Wang became Asia’s youngest billionaire in technology and the world’s first billionaire from the drone industry. Additionally in 2017, DJI entered into an agreement to supply surveillance drones to law enforcement agencies in Xinjiang, China.

In June 2018, Axon collaborated with DJI to provide surveillance drone solutions to police departments across the United States. By 2020, approximately 90% of drones deployed by U.S. public safety organizations were manufactured by DJI.

An internal audit conducted in January 2019 uncovered employee fraud involving inflated parts expenses amounting up to CN¥1 billion (roughly US$147 million), although DJI reported no net loss for fiscal year 2018.

In January 2020, approximately 800 drones used by the U.S. Department of the Interior for environmental monitoring were grounded. Nevertheless, by March that year DJI maintained a commanding share of about 77% within the U.S. consumer drone market.

During the global COVID-19 pandemic throughout 2020, DJI drones were deployed internationally to support public health initiatives such as mask compliance monitoring in China and urban sanitation efforts in countries including Morocco and Saudi Arabia.

In June 2022, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) initiated an investigation into Textron's patent infringement claims against DJI concerning aircraft flight control technologies. Subsequently, in April 2023, a U.S. jury found DJI liable for patent infringement and ordered damages totaling $279 million. A separate attempt by DJI to nullify Textron’s patent was rejected by PTAB.

In 2025, DJI ventured into home robotics with the release of its inaugural robotic vacuum cleaner model named the DJI Romo.

Corporate structure

In 2018, DJI secured close to $1 billion in funding to support preparations for a possible initial public offering (IPO) on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. However, as of July 2020, there was no official confirmation regarding the IPO timeline. Prior to this, in 2015, DJI attracted $500 million from investors such as the state-owned New China Life Insurance, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC, and New Horizon Capital, which was co-founded by the son of former premier Wen Jiabao.

Further capital injections came from Shanghai Venture Capital Co., SDIC Unity Capital (affiliated with the State Development and Investment Corporation), and China Chengtong Holdings Group, which is connected to the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council. Despite these investments, DJI maintains that it is not state-owned, emphasizing that state-related investors collectively hold less than six percent of shares and under one percent of voting power.

The company employs approximately 14,000 individuals distributed among 17 offices worldwide. DJI is recognized for its stringent recruitment procedures and an intensely competitive corporate environment that fosters innovation through internal team competition. Its manufacturing facilities in Shenzhen utilize sophisticated automated production lines, with many components being manufactured internally.

Flight controller

Model	A2	Naza V2	Wookong-M	Naza-M Lite
Supported motor count	4–8	4–8	4–8	4–6
Integrated receiver	yes (2.4 GHz)	no	no	no
Hovering precision (meters)	vertical: ±0.5m / horizontal: ±1.5m	vertical: ±0.8m / horizontal: ±2.5m	vertical: ±0.5m / horizontal: ±2m	vertical: ±0.8m / horizontal: ±2.5m
Motor-rotor configurations supported	quad-rotor: +4,X4; hex-rotor: +6,X6,Y6,Rev Y6; octo-rotor: +8,X8,V8	quad-rotor: I4, X4; hex-rotor: I6, X6, IY6, Y6; octo-rotor: I8,V8,X8	quad-rotor: +4,X4; hex-rotor: +6,X6,Y6,Rev Y6; octo-rotor: +8,X8,V8	quad-rotor I4, X4; hex-rotor I6, X6, IY6, Y6

Modules

Module	Lightbridge	PMU (A2, Wookong, Naza V2, Naza Lite)	iOSD MARK II	iOSD mini	BTU
Function type	Video Downlink	Power Management Unit	On-Screen Display	On-Screen Display	Bluetooth Communication Link
Compatible with models	A2, Wookong-M, Naza V2	A2, Wookong-M, Naza V2, Naza-M Lite	A2, Wookong-M, Naza V2	A2, Wookong-M, Naza V2	Naza V2 only
Connection interface	CAN Bus	CAN Bus and Battery Connection	CAN Bus	CAN Bus	CAN Bus
Battery specifications required	4S to 6S LiPo batteries	4S to 12S LiPo batteries	4S LiPo or shared power from flight controller	2S LiPo or shared power from flight controller	Powered via shared flight controller supply

Flame Wheel

The Flame Wheel lineup consists of multirotor platforms tailored for aerial imaging purposes. As of 2016, this series includes the hexacopter F550 along with the quadcopters F330 and F450. The most recent addition is the ARF KIT.

Model	Flame Wheel F330	Flame Wheel F450	Flame Wheel F550
Diagonal wheelbase (cm)	33	45	69
Frame weight (g)	156	282	478
Takeoff weight range (g)	600–1250	800–1600	1200–2400

Phantom

The Phantom lineup combines flight control software with integrated cameras, Wi-Fi or Lightbridge connectivity, and mobile device operation. While primarily engineered for aerial photography and videography, these drones also appeal to hobbyist users.

Spark

Launched in May 2017, the Spark (晓) is equipped with a 12-megapixel camera stabilized by a 2-axis gimbal alongside an advanced infrared 3D sensor for obstacle avoidance and hand gesture recognition. It can be controlled through a smartphone application or an optional handheld remote.

In response to reports of drones powering down unexpectedly mid-flight, DJI mandated a battery firmware update in August 2017 to improve operational safety.

Mavic

The Mavic (御) series encompasses models including the Mavic Pro, Mavic Air, Air 2S, Mavic 2 Pro, various Mavic 3 editions, and the Mini lineup. The Mavic Air 2 attracted criticism for omitting the AirSense (ADS-B) safety functionality outside the United States due to component shortages and manufacturing difficulties amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beginning with the Mini 2, DJI discontinued using the "Mavic" branding on most newer releases such as the Air 2S and Mini SE.

The Air 2S was introduced on April 15, 2021. The Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine models debuted on November 4, 2021, targeting prosumer and professional markets with enhanced capabilities. Later additions—the Mavic 3 Enterprise and Thermal versions launched in September 2022—supplanted previous enterprise drones used for surveying, inspection, safety, and rescue missions. In May 2023, DJI unveiled the Mavic 3 Pro and Pro Cine, both outfitted with three cameras.

On May 13, 2025, DJI released the Mavic 4 Pro featuring a 100 MP Hasselblad sensor sized at 4/3″, a full 360° “Infinity” gimbal, up to 51 minutes of flight endurance, and omnidirectional obstacle detection.

Neo

Introduced in 2024, the DJI Neo is an ultra-lightweight drone designed to serve compact drone markets by offering advanced camera functions at an affordable price point.

Inspire

DJI's Inspire series represents their professional-grade camera quadcopters, constructed with aluminium-magnesium frames and carbon fiber arms. The Inspire 2 model, released in 2017, features removable propellers and improved performance tailored for high-end cinematography applications.

Inspire specifications:

Model	Inspire 1	Inspire 1 Pro	Inspire 2	Inspire 3
Weight	3060 g (including propellers, battery, Zenmuse X3)	3400 g (with battery, propellers, Zenmuse X5)	3440 g (with propellers and two batteries; no gimbal or camera)	3995 g (with gimbal camera, dual batteries, lens, PROSSD storage, propellers)
Max Takeoff Weight	3500 g	3500 g	4250 g	4310 g
Hovering Accuracy Range	Vertical: ±0.5 m (GPS) Horizontal: ±2.5 m (GPS)	Vertical: ±0.5 m (GPS) Horizontal: ±2.5 m (GPS)	Vertical: ±0.5 m (GPS), ±0.1 m (Downward Vision) Horizontal: ±1.5 m (GPS), ±0.3 m (Downward Vision)	Vertical: ±0.1 m (vision), ±0.5 m (GNSS/GPS), ±0.1 m (RTK) Horizontal: ±0.3 m (vision), ±0.5 m (GNSS/GPS), ±0.1 m (RTK)
Max Angular Velocity	Pitch: 300°/s Yaw: 150°/s	Pitch: 300°/s Yaw: 150°/s	Pitch: 300°/s Yaw: 150°/s	Pitch: 200º/s Yaw: 150º/s Roll: 200º/s
Max Tilt Angle	35°	35°	P-mode: 35º; Forward Vision enabled: 25º; A-mode:35º; S-mode:40º	N Mode:35°; S Mode:40°; A Mode:35°; T Mode:20°; Emergency Brake:55°
Max Ascent Speed	5 m/s	5 m/s	P-mode/A-mode:5 m/s; S-mode:6 m/s	8 m/s
Max Descent Speed	4 m/s	4 m/s	Vertical:4 m/s; Tilt:9 m/s	Vertical:8 m/s; Tilt:10 m/s
Max Speed	21.9 m/s (ATTI mode, no wind)	18 m/s (ATTI mode, no wind)	26 m/s (Sport mode, no wind)	26 m/s (Sport mode, no wind)
Max Service Ceiling Above Sea Level	Standard Propellers:2500 m; Special Propellers:4500 m	Standard Propellers:2500 m; Special Propellers:4500 m	Standard Propellers:2500 m; Special Propellers:5000 m	Standard Propellers:3800 m; High-Altitude Propellers:7000 m
Max Wind Speed Resistance	10 m/s	10 m/s	10 m/s	Takeoff/landing:12 m/s; In-flight:14 m/s
Operating Temperature Range
Max Flight Time (Hovering)	Approximately18 minutes	Approximately15 minutes	Approximately27 minutes	Approximately25 minutes
Release Date	November13,2014	January5,2016	November16,2016	April13,2023

Spreading Wings

The Spreading Wings (筋斗云) lineup is designed for industrial UAV applications, offering solutions for professional aerial imaging, high-resolution 3D mapping, lightweight search and rescue missions, and surveillance using integrated camera systems. In 2013, DJI introduced two variants: the standard S800 and the S800 EVO.

Model	Spreading Wings S800	Spreading Wings S800 EVO	Spreading Wings S900	Spreading Wings S1000
Diagonal wheelbase (cm)	80	80	90	104.5
Empty weight (kg)	2.6	3.7	3.3	4.2
Take-off weight (kg)	5–7	6–8	4.7–8.2	6–11
Flight duration (min)	16	20	18	15
Operating temperature range (°C)	—	—	-10 to 40	-10 to 40

Matrice

The Matrice (经纬) series addresses industrial needs including surveying, inspections, emergency response, and fire suppression.

Introduced on July 6, 2015, the Matrice 100 is a fully customizable drone equipped with expansion slots and communication interfaces, allowing developers to tailor hardware configurations for a variety of industrial tasks.

Agras

DJI's Agras series consists of agricultural drones with takeoff weights between 25 and 80 kilograms, primarily utilized for spraying crops. These drones feature environmentally resistant components rated IP67 and batteries rated IP54 to ensure reliable performance under agricultural conditions.

Ronin

The Ronin (如影) series comprises professional-grade ground-based camera stabilizers intended for cinematic and aerial filming purposes. Designed for the film industry, these stabilizers employ three motors to maintain steady footage during dynamic movements. The lineup includes models such as Ronin-M, Ronin 2, Ronin-S, Ronin-SC, Ronin 4D, Ronin-S3, S3 Pro, and S3 Mini.

Osmo

The original Osmo (灵眸) is a handheld camcorder that connects to a smartphone for live previewing. It supports recording in 4K resolution and captures still images ranging from 12 to 16 megapixels.

Osmo Mobile

First released on September 1, 2016, the initial Osmo Mobile is a smartphone gimbal featuring three-axis stabilization combined with SmoothTrack™ technology to produce fluid video footage.

On September 2, 2022, DJI launched the Osmo Mobile 6, which introduced a built-in status display, a side control wheel for zoom and focus adjustments, ActiveTrack 5.0 subject tracking capabilities, and Quick Launch functionality specifically optimized for iPhone users.

Within a year, DJI unveiled the Osmo Mobile SE as an affordable alternative offering a foldable design, integrated extension rod, and larger capacity 2,600mAh battery; however, it lacks the side wheel and Quick Launch features found in the Mobile 6.

Osmo Pocket

Debuting on December 15, 2018, the Osmo Pocket combines a compact handheld form factor with a built-in camera capable of shooting at 4K60fps stabilized by a three-axis gimbal.

The second-generation Pocket 2 was announced on October 20, 2020; it features an upgraded larger sensor measuring 1/1.7 inches, DJI Matrix Stereo audio recording technology, modular components for expanded functionality, and zoom capabilities up to eight times.

On October 25, 2023, DJI released the Osmo Pocket 3—a pocket-sized gimbal camera equipped with a large one-inch sensor optimized for low-light environments, a two-inch OLED touchscreen display, and advanced professional-grade color profiles including 10-bit D-Log M and HLG modes.

Osmo Action

The inaugural Osmo Action was introduced on May 15, 2019, as a compact action camera featuring 4K video capability, dual color displays, and RockSteady stabilization technology.

On August 2, 2023, the Osmo Action 4 was released, equipped with a 1/1.3” sensor, 10-bit D-Log M color profile, and a magnetic quick-release mechanism.

The Osmo Action 5 Pro debuted on September 19, 2024, boasting 47GB of built-in storage, support for HLG format, a dive rating up to 20 meters underwater, and an innovative depth and altitude measurement feature.

FPV Equipment

The DJI FPV lineup consists of head-mounted displays designed for FPV drone piloting. This range includes two main product categories: the DJI Goggles series and the Digital FPV System. DJI Goggles connect to DJI drones through dual LCD panels and wireless links, allowing direct control over photo and video capture. In November 2017, DJI released the DJI Goggles RE ("Racing Edition"), specifically engineered for use with racing quadcopters.

RoboMaster S1

On June 11, 2019, DJI unveiled the RoboMaster S1 (S1), its first consumer-targeted ground drone, inspired by the company’s annual RoboMaster robot combat contest. Styled as a tank-like rover, the S1 is operated via Wi-Fi and a compatible app available on Microsoft Windows, Apple iOS, and Google Android. Marketed as an "advanced educational robot," it allows users to assemble the unit themselves and program its AI using Scratch and Python, supported by interactive app-based tutorials.

RoboMaster EP

The RoboMaster EP (EP) was launched on March 9, 2020, following its teaser appearance in a late 2019 RoboMaster S1 advertisement. This model supports integration with over 20 third-party sensors and is compatible with open-source hardware platforms such as Micro Bit, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi.

Privacy and security concerns in the United States

In July 2017, the Office of Aviation Services within the United States Department of the Interior determined that DJI’s software failed to comply with their data-sharing requirements. In response, DJI introduced Local Data Mode, which enables drone operation without internet connectivity or data transmission.

The Register revealed that the DJI GO app utilized the JSPatch framework for hot-patching without Apple's approval or user permission, breaching App Store policies. Subsequently, the United States Army restricted DJI drone usage after a May 2017 Army Research Laboratory report highlighted cybersecurity vulnerabilities. This raised concerns about potential weaknesses in data links between controllers and drones.

DJI initiated a bug bounty program in 2017 to involve external security researchers in identifying vulnerabilities. However, inadequate management of nondisclosure agreements resulted in miscommunication and public relations challenges, including accidental exposure of DJI’s SSL certificate on GitHub. The program was later restructured.

An independent review by Kivu Consulting in 2018 found that only the DJI GO 4 app transmitted data online after user consent was obtained; most servers were US-based except crash reports sent to China-based Bugly servers.

In January 2020, approximately 800 DJI drones were grounded by the DOI due to security apprehensions despite their application in wildlife conservation and infrastructure surveillance. In May 2020, River Loop Security raised alarms concerning DJI’s Mimo app; DJI countered these claims as inaccurate and outdated.

Reports from Synacktiv and GRIMM in July 2020 identified possible vulnerabilities in the Android version of DJI GO 4 app such as collection of device identifiers and circumvention of Google Play protections; it also contained the Weibo SDK capable of installing related third-party applications. Although no evidence showed data being transmitted to China or backdoor exploitation, these findings intensified espionage allegations against DJI by US authorities.

DJI responded by emphasizing that these issues were common software challenges with no proof of exploitation or unauthorized data transfer. The company justified mandatory updates as essential for safety features like geofencing and preventing unauthorized modifications. They also asserted that activation of the Weibo SDK required explicit user consent. Industry experts noted that skepticism largely stems from DJI’s Chinese origin despite no definitive evidence of malicious intent.

A Booz Allen Hamilton study in 2020 confirmed no unauthorized data transmissions to China; backend servers were primarily located in the US except for crash analytics routed through Chinese servers.

In November 2020, US senators expressed concerns over the United States Air Force’s procurement of DJI drones citing security risks.

Discussions about a comprehensive US ban on DJI drones emerged amid worries over disruption to manufacturing supply chains, delays in technological progress, and humanitarian or policy impacts.

In March 2023, Florida state senator Jason Pizzo accused government programs of biased lobbying favoring competitors such as Skydio over DJI despite absence of proven data security breaches by DJI. By February 2024, lobbying efforts by Skydio, BRINC Drones, and industry associations sought legislation to prohibit DJI products.

In April 2024, DJI established a Trust Center providing updates on third-party audits, certifications, security protocols, and privacy safeguards aimed at increasing transparency.

Reports from May 2024 raised concerns regarding licensing agreements between DJI and Texas-based Anzu Robotics. In August 2024, a US House committee investigated Anzu Robotics as a potential "passthrough" entity circumventing US restrictions on DJI products. DJI denied any connections beyond standard technology licensing arrangements.

A September 2024 report by the Government Accountability Office concluded that restrictions on DJI drones negatively impacted DOI operations along with partners like NOAA and academic institutions with varying compliance rules. The DOI permitted continued use of existing DJI drones for emergency wildfire response and later broadened authorization for nonemergency applications after assessing minimal security risks. New acquisitions remained limited except for wildfire management and search-and-rescue missions.

An FTI Consulting analysis from 2024 verified that all first-party data transmissions remained within US infrastructure boundaries. Security measures such as certificate pinning and TLS encryption safeguard data flows; Restricted Network Mode (RNM) and Local Data Mode (LDM) further reduce network information exposure.

In January 2025, DJI updated its product line to allow flights over previously restricted areas including military installations, airports, runways, and power facilities.

US sanctions

In December 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce placed DJI on the Bureau of Industry and Security's Entity List. Following this, an executive order issued in January 2021 required the removal of Chinese-manufactured drones from U.S. government operations. By December 2021, the Treasury Department banned American investments in DJI, citing allegations that the company supports the People's Liberation Army and is complicit in the repression of Uyghurs.

The Department of Defense classified DJI as a "Chinese military company" active within the United States in October 2022. DJI challenged this designation through a lawsuit filed in October 2024, contending it is not under Chinese military control; nevertheless, a court ruling in September 2025 upheld the designation, confirming evidence that DJI contributes to China’s defense industrial sector.

To navigate these limitations, DJI retained lobbying agencies such as Subject Matter (later renamed Avoq), Vogel Group, and CLS Strategies during 2023. Due to concerns about representing Chinese clients, both Vogel Group and Avoq ended their advocacy for DJI in early 2024, while CLS Strategies continued its efforts. Additionally, legal firms Sidley Austin and Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, along with Liberty Government Affairs led by Brian Darling, provided further lobbying support for DJI.

In September 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Countering CCP Drones Act. Concurrent Senate proposals seek to include DJI under the FCC’s Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019, which would effectively prohibit DJI drones from operating on U.S. telecommunications infrastructure. DJI has publicly criticized these initiatives as "inaccurate and unsubstantiated."

Beginning in October 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection started intercepting imports of specific DJI drone models under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

Pentagon analysis

In May 2021, the United States Department of Defense released an assessment regarding DJI products. The unclassified segment concluded that two models within the DJI "Government Edition" series contained "no malicious code or intent" and were recommended for use by government agencies and allied forces working with U.S. services. This summary was disclosed to The Hill, although no additional information was provided by the Defense Department.

Incidents involving DJI products

In January 2015, a Phantom FC40 drone crashed onto the south lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C. In response, DJI introduced a Geo-fencing system that restricts flights near sensitive airspace and mandates firmware updates to prevent drones from entering prohibited zones using GPS data.

During the 2015 Tokyo drone incident, a DJI Phantom 2 carrying radioactive material landed on Japan's Prime Minister’s official residence. This event prompted legislation imposing flight restrictions around government buildings and nuclear facilities.

In 2016, ISIS utilized DJI drones as improvised explosive devices in Iraq. In reaction, DJI established extensive no-fly zones over Iraq and Syria. That same year, following a near midair collision between a DJI drone and a Chinese fighter jet, Chinese authorities required DJI to implement an air traffic registry system to monitor drones within China.

On 30 March 2018, the Israel Defense Forces deployed DJI Matrice 600 drones to release tear gas against protestors in Gaza.

On 4 August 2018, two Matrice 600 drones carrying explosives detonated near Avenida Bolívar, Caracas in what appeared to be an assassination attempt targeting Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro.

Russian invasion of Ukraine

During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, DJI drones have played a significant role for both Ukrainian and Russian forces, functioning as tools for reconnaissance, targeted strikes, and propaganda dissemination by Ukrainian units. Investigations reveal that these drones were procured through various channels, including government supplies, hobbyist contributions, and international aid, often operated by recruited drone enthusiasts. DJI’s widespread adoption is attributed to its market leadership, cost-effectiveness, strong performance, and dependable operation. Their commercial accessibility further established them as the preferred choice on the battlefield.

In the aftermath of the invasion, Ukrainian forces heavily depended on DJI drones, with indications also pointing to Russian utilization. After German retailer MediaMarkt halted sales of DJI products, DJI clarified that their drones are intended solely for civilian purposes and are not designed for military use. Facing criticism over its business activities in Russia, DJI suspended operations in both Russia and Ukraine to avoid contributing to military engagements. Nevertheless, intermediaries persisted in cross-border shipments, and software modifications allowed drones to circumvent imposed restrictions.

Ukrainian military personnel employed DJI drones for reconnaissance missions, deploying improvised explosives, and conducting precise attacks against Russian troops. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, these drones also played a vital role in propaganda efforts by streaming live footage showcasing Russian casualties.

In May 2022, Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov pointed out that DJI’s AeroScope detection system enabled Russian forces to monitor Ukrainian drone activity and called on DJI to establish no-fly zones above certain Ukrainian regions. DJI responded by emphasizing that its products are designed for civilian use with features such as AeroScope and Remote ID intended to enhance visibility, making them unsuitable for combat. Although DJI could restrict drone flights upon official government requests, such limitations would affect all users and could be bypassed if operators disable software updates. Reports of Russian utilization of AeroScope remain unverified.

Ukraine has continued acquiring DJI drones; in October 2023, officials announced the procurement of 4,000 units with plans to purchase an additional 20,000 by May 2024. These drones and other small UAVs have become integral elements of Ukraine’s defense tactics.

Gaza war

An investigation conducted by Al Jazeera uncovered that the Israeli military employed modified DJI drones—particularly the Agras model—during the Gaza War to target civilian shelters and hospitals as well as to surveil Palestinian prisoners of war used as human shields. The Israel Defense Forces utilized multiple DJI models including the Agras, Avata, and Mavic for reconnaissance and bomb delivery purposes. Unlike its stance during the conflict in Ukraine, DJI has not halted drone sales to the Israeli military.

See also

• List of unmanned aerial vehicles of China
• List of Chinese companies