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The evolution of drones in public safety
Drones are transforming public safety operations by providing agencies with powerful tools for faster response, enhanced situational awareness, and improved officer and community safety. Whether used for search and rescue, real-time crime scene analysis, or large-scale event monitoring, drones have become integral to modern policing. However, recent legislative changes are requiring agencies to replace their current drone fleets with compliant alternatives.
In response to mounting national security concerns, the federal government is imposing stricter restrictions on Chinese-manufactured drones, particularly from DJI and Autel. Agencies now face the reality that their current drone fleets will soon be non-compliant—forcing them to transition to NDAA-compliant hardware and adapt to regulatory changes. The administration’s actions point to an unavoidable shift in drone policy.
Let’s examine the steps taken so far to understand the depth of this shift.
How we got here: The push for compliance
Government action based on national and cybersecurity risks from Chinese technology spans many sectors—including telecommunications, social networks, and automobiles. The debate over Chinese-manufactured drones isn’t new; it stems from long-standing concerns about the ownership and control of the drones provided to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Over the years, these concerns have escalated, prompting federal action and shaping the evolving regulatory landscape that agencies must now navigate.
Key developments shaping today’s policy landscape:
May 2019: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) warns about security risks posed by Chinese-made drones.
January 2020: The Department of the Interior grounds its fleet of DJI drones due to cybersecurity concerns.
December 2020: FY21 NDAA is signed into law, including Section 1260H, which requires the Secretary of Defense to annually identify and publish a list of “Chinese military companies.”
February 2021: Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) suspends the purchase of DJI products due to security concerns.
July 2021: Florida passes legislation prohibiting state and local agencies from utilizing drones manufactured by "foreign countries of concern," with China being a primary focus.
October 2022: The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) classifies DJI as a Chinese military company.
March 2023: Arkansas and Mississippi pass legislation that restrict foreign drones
May 2023: Tennessee passes law limiting the use of Chinese-made drones by state and local agencies
December, 2023: The American Security Drone Act (ADSA) of 2023 is passed as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA, prohibiting the federal government from purchasing or using drones from countries designated as security threats.
March 2024: The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issues an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) on national security risks related to connected vehicles. The proposal highlights potential threats posed by drones using information and communications technology (ICTS) from foreign adversaries, particularly China and Russia.
December 2024: President Biden signs the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (FY25 NDAA), which includes new restrictions on Chinese-manufactured drones.
The FY25 NDAA does not immediately ban DJI and Autel drones but establishes a clear path to prohibiting them. Unless an authorized agency determines these drones do not pose an unacceptable risk to national security, they will be automatically added to the FCC’s Covered List by the end of 2025. Inclusion on this list will prohibit future models from receiving FCC equipment authorization, making them ineligible for purchase with federal funds. Additionally, it would restrict software updates, hardware upgrades, and add-ons for drones that agencies already own.
The current status: What agencies need to know
As of early 2025, agencies must navigate a shifting regulatory environment:
Under the FY25 NDAA, an appropriate national security agency—which could include the DoD, NSA, FBI, DHS, or ODNI—must determine whether DJI and Autel drones pose an unacceptable national security risk. If no agency makes this determination, the drones will be automatically added to the FCC’s Covered List by the end of 2025.
Existing drones can still be used, but future restrictions on upgrades, software, and authorizations will limit their long-term viability.
State and local restrictions are accelerating—several states have already enacted restrictions, adding to compliance challenges.
For agencies relying on DJI and Autel drones, the uncertainty is a growing concern. With national security concerns escalating, further policy shifts are inevitable—making it critical for agencies to act now to avoid operational disruptions.
References to Compliance: This refers to agencies aligning with new federal laws and adhering to national security interests of the United States.
The risks of inaction: Why agencies should transition now
Relying on drones that are facing increased scrutiny from Congress, as well as federal and state governments, puts agencies at risk of compliance violations, operational disruptions, and long-term uncertainty. Delaying the transition could result in:
Regulatory Uncertainty: Future DJI and Autel drones will be banned by late 2025 unless an authorized agency determines they do not pose a national security risk, leaving agencies with little time to adjust.
Disruptions to Critical Missions: Agencies that delay risk losing access to drone technology when they need it most.
Budget and Procurement Challenges: As more agencies move toward compliance, demand for NDAA-compliant drones will continue to grow, supporting American drone manufacturers and strengthening national security.
Budget Restrictions: Restrictions on using federal grants to purchase Chinese-manufactured drones continue to expand across federal, state, and local agencies, with some already in effect and more expected by the end of 2025.
Across the country, agencies are already transitioning to maintain compliance, secure operational continuity, and stay ahead of restrictions. Those that wait risk non-compliance and operational setbacks as enforcement takes effect.
The future of drone policy and compliance
The regulatory environment for drones will continue evolving, with key trends shaping the landscape:
State-Level Action: Many states are already phasing out non-compliant drones, and more could follow, creating a patchwork of regulations that agencies must navigate.
Advancements in NDAA-Compliant Technology: U.S.-manufactured drones are rapidly advancing, offering agencies a smoother and more cost-effective transition.
Supporting U.S. manufacturers: Investing in domestic drone production strengthens the economy and enhances national security.
To stay ahead, agencies must proactively adopt compliant solutions that not only meet current regulations but also future-proof their drone programs.
SkySwap: A smarter path to compliance
Axon’s SkySwap program offers agencies a clear, cost-effective path to transitioning from non-compliant drones—without operational disruptions.
How SkySwap works
Trade-In Program: Agencies can exchange existing DJI and Autel drones, among others, for NDAA-compliant alternatives, maintaining operational continuity.
Financial Benefits: Axon offers trade-in credits to help offset the cost of upgrading, facilitating a smoother transition.
Future-Proof Technology: The program includes Skydio’s American-made drones, providing agencies with scalable, high-performance alternatives.
Comprehensive Support: From training to integration, Axon assists agencies with a seamless transition and minimal downtime.
Why agencies should act now
Avoid Compliance Risks: Transitioning helps agencies stay aligned with evolving regulations, reducing compliance and security risks.
Maintain Operational Continuity: Upgrading to NDAA-compliant drones allows agencies to continue mission-critical operations without disruption, regardless of future regulatory changes.
Secure Financial Benefits: Early adopters can take advantage of trade-in credits and financial incentives before demand rises.
The time to transition is now
The future of drone operations in public safety is changing. While a full ban on DJI and Autel drones has not yet taken effect, the window for action is closing fast. Agencies that act now will avoid compliance headaches, maintain mission readiness, and position themselves as leaders in modern public safety operations.
Axon leads the way in Drone as First Responder (DFR) operations, delivering cutting-edge, American-made, NDAA-compliant DFR solutions as part of the most advanced integrated ecosystem for real-time operations. With deep expertise in public safety and a commitment to innovation, Axon provides agencies with the technology and infrastructure they need to respond faster, operate smarter, and protect more lives in more places. While transitioning to NDAA-compliant drones is a critical step, agencies should also be thinking holistically about their end-to-end strategy—ensuring they have the flexibility, intelligence, and interoperability required for long-term success.
With SkySwap, agencies can seamlessly transition to NDAA-compliant drones while also ensuring they have the most powerful, future-ready technology to meet operational demands today and tomorrow.
Agencies that act now will secure compliance, maintain operational continuity, and avoid costly disruptions. The time to transition is now.
Get Started with SkySwap Today and Future-Proof Your Drone Program.