What the FY25 NDAA Means for DJI and the Future of U.S. Drone Policy

By Damon Johnson, Founder of Raising Drones

If you’ve been flying drones, thinking about starting a drone business, or just watching the industry grow, you may have heard some chatter lately about something called the FY25 NDAA. It’s a big government bill that’s been making waves, especially when it comes to DJI—the world’s biggest drone manufacturer.

Let me break it down for you in plain English: the U.S. government recently passed a new law that sets the budget for the military and defense-related programs. In the middle of all that, some lawmakers tried to add a rule that would’ve basically banned DJI drones in the U.S.

The good news? That rule didn’t make it into the final version. The bad news? This story is far from over.

Let’s dive into what actually happened, what it means for DJI, and how all of this might affect you—whether you’re a hobbyist, a commercial pilot, or thinking about launching your own drone business.

The Ban That Didn’t Happen (Yet)

For months, there was talk about banning DJI drones because they’re made by a Chinese company. Some lawmakers were worried about national security and how data might be used or shared. To address those concerns, they introduced something called the “Countering CCP Drones Act.” That’s a fancy name for a rule that would’ve banned DJI products from being sold or used in the U.S.

But here’s the twist: when the final version of the FY25 NDAA came out, that rule wasn’t in it. So, as of now, DJI drones are still legal to fly, buy, and use in the U.S.

That’s a big win for drone pilots, businesses, and emergency responders who rely on DJI drones every day. From farmers checking crops to firefighters using drones in search-and-rescue missions, a sudden ban would’ve caused a lot of disruption.

What’s Still in the NDAA

Now, just because DJI wasn’t banned doesn’t mean they’re off the hook.

The final bill includes a new rule that orders a one-year review of drones made in China—including DJI. During this time, government agencies will look at whether these drones pose any risks to national security. If they decide the risk is too high, DJI drones might still end up getting banned—or at least restricted—by the end of 2025.

The big catch? If no agency takes responsibility for the review or finishes it in time, the law says DJI drones could automatically end up on a list of banned devices. So, it’s kind of like a timer is ticking. If nothing changes, a ban could happen by default.

What This Means for You

Whether you're just getting into drones or you’ve been flying for years, this is something to watch closely.

For now, you can keep using your DJI drone. You can even buy a new one if you want. But if you run a drone business or use drones for work, it’s a good idea to start thinking ahead.

Here’s what I’d recommend:

• Stay informed – Keep up with what’s happening in Washington and how it might affect drone rules. Things can change fast, and the last thing you want is to get caught off guard.

• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket – If you’re running a drone operation, it might be smart to explore other brands. There are a few U.S.-based and European drone companies that are stepping up their game. Having more than one type of drone in your toolbox can help you stay flexible if rules change.

• Speak up – The reason this ban didn’t happen yet is because people in the drone industry—pilots, business owners, public safety agencies—shared their stories and concerns. If you care about the future of drones in the U.S., your voice matters too.

What DJI Is Saying

DJI isn’t staying quiet about this either. They’ve asked the government to make sure any review is fair and based on real facts. Right now, there’s no clear plan for how the review will be done or who’s doing it. That’s a big deal, because without a clear process, DJI products could be banned just by default—not because of any actual security issue.

What’s Next?

So where does that leave us?

For now, DJI drones are safe to use. But this one-year review period is something we all need to keep an eye on. The decisions made over the next year could change what kinds of drones are available in the U.S., and how businesses can operate.

At Raising Drones, we’ll be watching this closely. We’re here to help new pilots, business owners, and drone lovers make sense of all this. Whether you’re flying for fun, launching a drone service, or getting your Part 107 license, you don’t have to figure this out alone.

Final Thoughts

We’re in an exciting time for drones, but also a tricky one. Policies and rules are changing, and sometimes it feels like the skies are getting a little more crowded—not just with drones, but with politics too.

Here’s the good news: the drone community is strong. We’ve got pilots, educators, innovators, and businesses all working together to make sure drones stay a valuable, safe, and powerful tool in our world.

So keep flying, keep learning, and most of all—keep looking up.

If you’ve got questions about how this might impact your drone goals, come see us at Raising Drones. We’ve got the training, tools, and experience to help you soar—no matter what the future brings.

Ready to take flight? Visit raisingdrones.net to learn more about drone training, licensing, and starting your own drone business.