(Tribune News Service) — Legislation introduced by Sens. Mark Warner, D- Va., and Rick Scott, R- Fla., would prohibit the purchase of drones from countries identified as national security threats.
In an attempt to protect U.S. data, the American Security Drone Act of 2023 would prevent federal agencies from purchasing commercial off-the-shelf drones or unmanned aircraft systems that are manufactured or assembled in China or any entities “subject to influence or control” by China.
“The purchase of drones from foreign countries, especially those that have been deemed a national security threat, is dangerous,” Warner said in a statement released by his office.
The legislation allows for limited exceptions.
While language in Warner and Scott’s new legislation is more broad, banning the purchase of Chinese drones by federal agencies is not a new concept. The Department of Defense banned the purchase of DJI drones, a popular Chinese brand, in 2017, stating that such systems “pose potential threats to national security.”
The urgency to ban drones manufactured in China was reignited following news of a high-altitude Chinese surveillance balloon entering U.S. airspace.
FBI Director Christopher Wray said last week the Chinese government is the greatest threat to the economic and national security of the United States. And talks of drones being weaponized to gather intelligence — for China or other entities — dominated discussions during the 2023 Homeland Security Symposium & Expo held last Thursday at Christopher Newport University.
“Unmanned, both threats and opportunities, are growing rapidly in the portfolio across industry, pizza delivery and Department of Defense,” said Rear Adm. Douglas Verissimo, director of maritime operations for U.S. Fleet Forces Command, during a keynote speech at the symposium.
Special Agent Adam Rowland from the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office said drones are easily weaponized and detailed how that poses a threat Hampton Roads, home to 18 military installations.
“If you have a 6-inch drone going up, it can see a half a mile in any direction at least. So, it doesn’t have to be over a military base for it to see the military base. And that is a problem,” Rowland said.
The American Security Drone Act will also prohibit certain federal funds from being used to purchase foreign commercial off-the-shelf drones. The legislation would require the Comptroller General to submit a report to Congress detailing the amount of foreign commercial off-the-shelf drones and covered unmanned aircraft systems procured by federal departments and agencies from countries identified as national security threats.
Warner emphasized in his statement Tuesday that he is not anti-drones, but is a “strong supporter” of domestically produced unmanned systems.
Earlier this month, Warner introduced legislation meant to make it easier for drones to be approved for commercial transport of goods across the U.S.
“If we want the drones of tomorrow to be manufactured in the U.S. and not in China, we have to start working today to integrate them into our airspace,” Warner said.
caitlyn.burchett@virginiamedia.com
©2023 The Virginian-Pilot.
Visit pilotonline.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The Department of Defense banned the purchase of DJI drones, a popular Chinese brand, in 2017, stating that such systems “pose potential threats to national security.” (DJI/Facebook)
