Washington: Amid growing national security concerns over Chinese technology, two U.S. senators have formally requested that major construction companies provide detailed information regarding their use of Chinese-made drones, particularly those manufactured by DJI, on government contracts. The inquiry highlights Washington’s increasing scrutiny of foreign technology in sectors that handle sensitive data and infrastructure.
Senators Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and Gary Peters of Michigan sent letters this week to leading construction and engineering firms, including Hensel Phelps, Brasfield & Gorrie, and Bechtel Corporation. The lawmakers demanded information on how these companies deploy DJI drones for projects funded by the federal government, especially at sites considered sensitive for national security purposes. Federal agencies have previously restricted the use of DJI equipment, citing concerns that data captured by the drones could potentially be accessed by the Chinese government.
The senators’ letters requested that companies disclose the number of DJI drones they currently own or have used, any waivers obtained to operate the devices, and the measures in place to manage and secure data collected by the drones. They emphasized that even private contractors’ use of these drones at defense installations, ports, or other restricted areas could pose significant security risks. Hassan and Peters warned that such vulnerabilities are inconsistent with U.S. national security interests and could compromise sensitive information.
DJI, headquartered in China, dominates the commercial drone market in the United States, particularly among photographers, videographers, and industrial users. Despite its commercial prominence, U.S. authorities have increasingly scrutinized the company’s operations due to perceived ties to the Chinese government and military. The Department of Defense has previously flagged DJI drones as potential security risks, and the company’s products are restricted for use in certain government operations.
Reports indicate that some government contractors have already used DJI drones at restricted sites, contrary to federal guidance. The General Services Administration’s Office of the Inspector General has noted incidents where drone operations by contractors could have exposed sensitive information, raising further alarm in Congress.
As of now, neither DJI nor the construction firms named in the letters have issued public responses. The senators have requested that the companies reply by January 15, 2026, with full details of their drone usage, data management practices, and compliance with federal security guidelines.
The inquiry is part of a broader push by U.S. lawmakers to increase oversight of foreign technology in critical sectors. Analysts suggest that the focus on drones reflects wider geopolitical tensions between the United States and China, with implications not only for government contracts but also for civilian and commercial use of UAV technology.
This congressional action signals that American companies reliant on Chinese technology may face heightened scrutiny and regulatory requirements. It also underscores a growing determination in Washington to protect sensitive data, critical infrastructure, and national security interests from potential foreign influence, particularly in industries that intersect with government operations.
As policymakers continue to evaluate the risks posed by foreign-made drones and other technologies, the construction and engineering sectors may need to adapt quickly to new compliance expectations, balancing operational needs with emerging security mandates.