Pentagon says report that US approved purchase of Chinese drone “inaccurate”

WASHINGTON, July 23 (Reuters) – The Pentagon said on Friday that drones produced by Chinese manufacturer Da Jiang Innovations (DJI) pose a potential threat to national security and that a media report said their purchase had been approved by the US government was incorrect.

The Hill newspaper reported last month that a Pentagon audit found that two drones built by DJI for the US government had “no malicious code or intent” and are “recommended for use by government entities and forces. working with American services “.

“This report was inaccurate and uncoordinated, and its unauthorized publication is currently under review by the department,” the Defense Department said in a statement.

The Pentagon said it banned the use of all off-the-shelf commercial drones due to cybersecurity concerns in 2018. The following year, Congress passed a law banning the use of drones and components made in China.

The Department of Defense said the United States Special Operations Command has purchased standard drone technology that complies with exemptions allowed by law.

“Mitigating threats posed by small UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems), including DJI systems, remains a department-wide priority, and the Defense of Defense (DOD) continues to ensure that policy existing remains up-to-date and properly implemented, ”the Pentagon said.

Reporting by Eric Beech; Editing by Mohammad Zargham

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