Chinese drone maker DJI is suing the Department of Defense in an effort to remove its designation as a “military company.” The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., and names Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Deputy Defense Secretary Laura Taylor-Kale. DJI argues that its products are intended for consumer and commercial markets, not military purposes, and claims the Pentagon’s classification is harming its business.
Former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch is among the attorneys representing DJI in the case. Her participation has led to criticism from Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who condemned Lynch for working with a Chinese company that has been flagged by the Pentagon. Stefanik said that former U.S. officials should be working to protect American interests, not representing companies with potential ties to foreign governments.
DJI asserts that the Department of Defense has not provided any explanation for its designation as a military company. The company claims it has repeatedly tried to engage with the Pentagon over the past year and a half, but with no success. As a result, DJI filed the lawsuit to challenge the classification and seek legal relief.
Meanwhile, Congress is debating a bill that would ban the import of DJI drones into the U.S. The bill has already passed the House and is awaiting further action in the Senate. Lawmakers have cited concerns about national security in relation to Chinese-made technology.
