Lawmakers Push Biden to Address Risks of Chinese Agricultural Drones

A group of Republican U.S. lawmakers is urging the Biden administration to tackle national security risks posed by Chinese-manufactured agriculture drones. They cite the potential danger of drones produced by DJI, despite the company's denials of military ties and insistence on their agricultural benefits. Lawmakers seek a briefing by September 30.

A coalition of Republican lawmakers has called on the Biden administration to address the national security concerns associated with Chinese-manufactured agriculture drones. The issue centers around the widespread use of DJI drones on American farms.

In letters seen by Reuters, Representatives, including Elise Stefanik and Ashley Hinson, requested the Agriculture Department and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to brief them by September 30. They argue that the drones present a significant security risk despite DJI's denial of any military connections.

DJI maintains that their agricultural drones aid in sustainable farming practices, but lawmakers insist the technology could be manipulated for attacks. In response, Stefanik has proposed legislation to ban new DJI drones from operating in the U.S.

(With inputs from agencies.)