The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a new report highlighting how restrictive drone policies are affecting the Department of the Interior's (DOI) operations.
Drones have become essential for the DOI's wildfire prevention, search and rescue, scientific research, and public education efforts. However, restrictions on drones from "adversary nations" have disrupted these activities, forcing the DOI to use less efficient, more costly, and riskier alternatives.
Titled “Federal Lands: Effects of Interior's Policies on Foreign-Made Drones” (GAO-24-106924), the report details how these restrictions have undermined the DOI's ability to fully leverage drone technology.
Background
From January 2020 to October 2022, the ban on procuring and using "non-compliant" drones effectively grounded non-emergency drone flights for nearly three years. While recent exemptions permit limited use for wildfire management and search and rescue, restrictions generally remain in place.
Source: GAO Report (Page 4)
Challenges Faced By DOI
The report is a stark reminder of the operational hurdles faced by the DOI due to these restrictions, which not only limit access to vital technology but also escalate costs and compromise personnel safety:
- Aging Drone Fleet and High Costs: The majority of the DOI’s drone fleet is approaching the end of its operational lifespan. However, replacing them with compliant alternatives has proven difficult due to skyrocketing costs and limited availability, making it challenging for the DOI to continue relying on drone technology for critical missions.
In fact, the report noted that the average cost per drone from 2017 to 2020 (prior to the restrictions) was approximately $2,600, compared to over $15,000 in 2023. As a result, some bureaus have reportedly had to explore arrangements where multiple offices have to share drones in order to retain access to the technology.
- “Compliant” Drones Are Neither Readily Available Nor Reliably Capable: The report highlighted that compliant drones are more difficult to access and may take up to six months for delivery. It also pointed out some key technological gaps, including the inability to carry specialized sensors and/or reported issues with propellers that have caused drones to crash abruptly.
Source: GAO Report (Page 6 & 7)
- Operational Impact on Emergency Services: The dwindling number of drones has directly impacted the DOI's ability to expand drone use for emergency operations, including wildfire response. In some cases, bureaus have had to rely on more expensive and riskier alternatives, such as helicopters, further straining budgets and adding risk to personnel safety.
The report also emphasized that the National Park Service (NPS) and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) have been unable to enhance their search and rescue and law enforcement capabilities as planned. This shortfall directly affects public safety, as drones were previously used to manage hazards like landslides and rock falls.
Source: GAO Report (Page 7)
- Lost Opportunities for Data Capture: Limited access to affordable, capable drones has significantly impaired the DOI’s ability to gather crucial data on landscapes, natural and cultural resources, wildlife, and infrastructure. For example, high-resolution imagery of infrastructure could not be captured before storms, leading to more costly repairs. This restriction has also disrupted several conservation and research projects.
Positive Security Assessment of “Noncompliant” Drones
In 2021, a DOI assessment concluded that its security strategy adequately mitigated potential risks associated with “noncompliant” drones, especially since the areas where their drones operate are generally deemed low security risk locations, being mostly accessible to the public and far from national security interests.
Source: GAO Report (Page 2 & 3)
That year, a Pentagon report, obtained by the media, stated there was "no malicious code or intent" found in the DJI drone software used by the Interior Department. It further cited: “The DJI Government Edition versions that were tested…are recommended for use by government entities and forces working with US services.”
A Path Forward
The report highlights the essential role drones have played in DOI operations for years.
The GAO findings also reaffirm our concerns: without a balanced approach, the U.S. risks losing vital tools that protect lives and property.
DJI remains committed to working with relevant stakeholders to address concerns while delivering technology that saves lives and supports public safety. Our regular audits, including a recent independent cybersecurity review by FTI Consulting, confirm operators have full control over their data through the wide range of privacy features easily accessible on DJI drones.
As lawmakers consider pending drone legislation, an evidence-based approach is key to strengthening the U.S. drone industry and enhancing security, access and competitiveness for all. To achieve this, we advocate:
- The establishment of industry-wide drone security standards that are technology-based (not country of origin-based)
- Retaining drone operators’ freedom to choose the best drone platform that serves their operational needs
- A free, open and competitive marketplace so that the market decides which products thrive
For more on DJI's data security practices, visit the DJI Trust Center. The full GAO report is also available for more information.
