UAVs made by the Chinese firm DJI are the most commonly found units in the US army, among off-the-shelf equipment of this type. This memo has left DJI disappointed, not to mention surprised, as issued in a statement, particularly due to it being so unprompted.
The US army memo calls for service members to cease all use, as well as uninstalling any DJI systems or applications, and the physical removal of batteries. The reason for the move is “increased awareness of cyber vulnerabilities associated with DJI products”. The drone maker has enquired with the army as to what these vulnerabilities actually are, and offering to work with the Pentagon to investigate further to address these concerns.
Two studies, one by the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and one by the Navy are referenced in the memo, which appear to demonstrate the vulnerabilities in DJI’s equipment. The Army is expected to provide a statement to explain the move soon.
Text of the memo in full:
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF, G-3/5/7
400 ARMY PENTAGON
WASHINGTON, DC 20310-0400
DAMO-AV
MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD
2 August 2017
SUBJECT: Discontinue Use of Dajiang Innovation (DJI) Corporation Unmmaned Aircraft Systems
1. References:
a. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) report, “DJI UAS Technology Threat and User Vulnerabilities,” dated 25 May 2017 (Classified).
b. Navy memorandum, “Operational Risks with Regards to DJI Family of Products,” dated 24 May 2017.
2. Background: DJI Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) products are the most widely used non-program of record commercial off-the-shelf UAS employed by the Army. The Army Aviation Engineering Directorate has issued over 300 separate Airworthiness Releases for DJI products in support of multiple organizations with a variety of mission sets. Due to increased awareness of cyber vulnerabilities associated with DJI products, it is directed that the U.S. Army halt use of all DJI products. This guidance applies to all DJI UAS and any system that employs DJI electrical components or software including, but not limited to, flight computers, cameras, radios, batteries, speed controllers, GPS units, handheld control stations, or devices with DJI software applications installed.
3. Direction: Cease all use, uninstall all DJI applications, remove all batteries/storage media from devices, and secure equipment for follow on direction.
4. Point of Contact: Headquarters, Department of the Army G-3/5/7 Aviation Directorate, 703-693-3552
JOSEPH ANDERSON
Lieutenant General, GS
Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7
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