Statement on ADF use of Da Jiang unmanned aerial systems

Media coverage in October 2017 raised questions regarding the Department of Defence’s use of Da Jiang (DJI) unmanned aerial systems (UAS) following the US Army order to cease all use of DJI commercial off-the-shelf UAS.

Defence operates commercial off-the-shelf UAS, including the Phantom. When Defence became aware that the US Army had ceased all use of DJI UAS due to an increased awareness of cyber vulnerabilities in early August 2017, Defence suspended all use of these items until a formal assessment of the systems’ cyber security characteristics could be conducted.

Following a ‘quick look’ assessment and a more detailed technical analysis by Defence scientists, the continued use of commercial off-the-shelf UAS was authorised under new operating procedures that ensure such systems do not compromise other military systems or networks.  

DJI and other commercial-off-the-shelf UAS operated by Defence were cleared for use in late August 2017.