US Security Agencies Still Favor Chinese DJI Drones Despite Federal Bans

 The introduction of the Countering CCP Drones Act and the Drones for First Responders (DFR) Act has ignited debate in the United States over national security and local safety.

Despite federal restrictions, local police, firefighters, and rescue workers continue to favor Chinese drones due to their advanced technology and cost-effectiveness.

Banning Chinese Drones

In 2017, the U.S. Army banned DJI drones due to cybersecurity concerns. In April 2023, Florida prohibited public safety agencies from using unapproved drones, including those from China, citing espionage risks. This move faced backlash from first responders and some lawmakers.

Connecticut tried to implement a similar ban but did not succeed.

Legislation Against Chinese Drones

U.S. lawmakers are advancing legislation to block Chinese-made drones. The Countering CCP Drones Act, included in the draft of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025, aims to prevent new DJI products from entering the U.S. market by adding DJI to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) ‘Covered List.’ This would stop the FCC from approving new DJI equipment in the U.S. Existing DJI drone users wouldn’t be immediately affected, but the federal government could ban their use in the future.

The Drones for First Responders (DFR) Act seeks to enhance national security while supporting U.S. drone manufacturing. It proposes tariffs on Chinese drones, starting at 30% and increasing annually by 5%, to make U.S.-produced drones more competitive. Revenue from these tariffs would fund American drone purchases for public safety departments.

China’s Drone Dominance

Da Jiang Innovations (DJI) dominates about 70% of the global commercial drone market and 80% of the U.S. market. DJI is reportedly collaborating with U.S.-based Anzu Robotics to license its technology for American sales. Hong Kong-based Cogito Tech Company Limited, which registered with the FCC in August 2023, also markets drones similar to DJI products in the U.S.

Even American company Skydio uses Chinese-manufactured parts in its drones.

Popularity of Chinese Drones in the US

Chinese drones remain popular among U.S. law enforcement agencies, despite federal restrictions. Agencies in states like Kentucky, New Jersey, and Connecticut use their budgets to purchase these drones due to their cost-effectiveness. Higher tariffs have not deterred these agencies from buying Chinese drones.

Affordability vs. Security

The main appeal of Chinese drones is their affordability and advanced technology. U.S.-made drones are three to four times more expensive and lack the same technological sophistication. Labor costs, production scale, and custom chipset expenses are major barriers to reducing prices for U.S. manufacturers.

The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) attributes the price disparity to DJI's dominance and Chinese government subsidies. AUVSI points out that U.S. manufacturers struggle to secure funding to expand production as demand favors cheaper Chinese drones.

While U.S. manufacturers focus on cost and technology, the federal government is primarily concerned with security.

Security Concerns

Defense experts warn about the potential data collection risks of DJI drones. Although various U.S. government agencies continue to buy Chinese drones, there are ongoing warnings about the security risks.

Market Dominance

Chinese drones hold 92% of the first responder market in the U.S. DJI, without revealing exact U.S. revenue figures, confirmed that the U.S. remains one of its largest markets outside China. The company denies allegations of data backdoors for the Chinese government and claims its drones can operate offline without internet connectivity.

DJI criticized the DFR Act's higher taxes and potential bans on Chinese drones as ‘xenophobia’ disguised as national security concerns.

Ukraine Strikes Russian Su-34s: Drone Attack on Morozovsk Airfield 250km Behind Frontlines

 

On June 14, satellite images confirmed a successful drone strike by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on Morozovsk Airfield in Russia’s Rostov region, about 250 kilometers from the frontlines. The attack, which occurred on June 13, highlights the airfield's crucial role in supporting Russian Air Force operations in Ukraine, particularly as a base for Su-34 strike fighters.

The extent of the damage remains uncertain, but initial reports suggest no aircraft were destroyed. The vulnerability of Russian airbases to drone strikes is a growing concern, indicating potential for more frequent attacks due to limited air defense capabilities.

Ukraine’s ability to target key Russian sites has been significantly bolstered by American ATACMS ballistic missiles and support from Western specialists, NATO satellite networks, and air surveillance data. In mid-May, ATACMS missiles were used to strike Russia’s Belbek Air Base in Crimea, destroying two MiG-31 interceptors. Additionally, a drone attack targeted a Voronezh-DM radar system in Armavir, a critical component of Russia’s defense against Western missile threats.

In response, the U.S. has eased restrictions on Ukrainian operations, allowing deeper strikes within Russia using American weaponry. Consequently, Russia deployed an S-500 system in June to enhance its missile defense capabilities.

Ukraine's increased focus on drone and missile strikes comes amid ground setbacks and heavy casualties, allowing the Russian Army to gain territory since late 2022. The drone strike on Morozovsk Airport, targeting Su-34s, seems to be retaliation for Russian airstrikes on June 12, which hit a Ukrainian command post in the Northern Military District zone using high-explosive aviation bombs with precision modules.

On June 13, Russian media shared images of a pontoon crossing over the Pecheneg Dam in Kharkiv Oblast, destroyed by a Su-34 strike using a Kh-38MLE missile. The attack submerged several sections of the crossing, with footage capturing two Ukrainian military trucks approaching just before the missile hit.

The bridge in Stari Saltov across the Seversky Donets has been a repeated target, initially destroyed early in the conflict and rebuilt by Ukrainian engineers. This continued targeting underscores the strategic importance of these crossings in the ongoing conflict.

On February 21, 2022, Russia claimed a border facility attack by Ukrainian forces, which Ukraine denied as false flags. That same day, Russia recognized the self-proclaimed areas of DPR and LPR, and subsequently, Putin sent military forces into these regions. This action escalated on February 24, 2022, with Putin launching a full-scale assault on Ukraine, labeled as a "special military operation" by Russia.

Despite rumors, the U.S. may not provide Ukraine with ATACMS missiles with a 300km range, maintaining the focus on current support measures.

Turkey Signs $23B Deal for Advanced F-16 Jets to Modernize Air Force and Boost NATO Ties

 

Turkey has officially signed an agreement to purchase new F-16 fighters from the United States, a major step in its efforts to modernize its air force. The deal, confirmed on June 13 by Turkey's defense ministry and the U.S. State Department, marks a significant development in the bilateral defense relationship.

In October 2021, Turkey requested to buy 40 F-16 Block 70/72 fighters to replace its aging F-4E Phantoms. This request also included 79 modernization kits to upgrade older F-16s to similar standards. Although the sale faced initial resistance in Washington, Turkey's support for Sweden's NATO membership and its strong stance against Russia have eased opposition. U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, Jeffrey Flake, called the deal "beneficial for U.S. national security, Turkish national security, and NATO interoperability."

State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel highlighted in January that both President Biden and Secretary Blinken have consistently supported the modernization of Turkey’s F-16 fleet, viewing it as a critical investment in NATO interoperability. Currently, Turkey is the largest foreign operator of the F-16, a fighter jet first introduced in 1974. However, Turkey’s F-16 variants are outdated, relying on mechanically scanned array radars with limited electronic warfare and situational awareness capabilities.

Turkey has initiated avionics modernization for 35 of its F-16 Block 30 jets, but NATO’s Turkish fleet still lags behind the more advanced air forces in the region. Countries like the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have more sophisticated F-16 variants, while Egypt and Syria use enhanced MiG-29s with phased array radars, and Iran is set to deploy advanced Su-35s.

Enhancing Turkey’s aerial capabilities is crucial for NATO’s broader strategic interests, especially as regional challenges to U.S. influence intensify. Turkey’s military actions against Syria and other Iranian-aligned entities, along with support for jihadist affiliates, have complicated the regional military landscape, impacting the efforts of groups like Hezbollah and factions in Syria from focusing on Israel and the United States.

The F-16 Block 70/72 is a ‘4+ generation’ fighter with advanced avionics comparable to those in the latest F-35 stealth fighters. This variant features the APG-83 active electronically scanned array radar, making it a formidable platform for electronic warfare and providing superior situational awareness. The new F-16 variant’s advanced sensors and weapons systems significantly surpass those of older models, which were equipped with less sophisticated technology from the Cold War era and early 2000s.

Initially designed as a cost-effective, lightweight alternative to the F-15, the F-16 continues to play a vital role in U.S. and allied air forces. Turkey’s $23 billion order for the new F-16s will significantly boost the program, particularly as global demand for the aging fighter jet has waned.

Russia Tests New 'Intercept' Anti-Drone Cartridges to Counter Ukraine's Kamikaze UAVs

 In an effort to enhance its defense against small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Russia has developed specialized anti-drone cartridges. The initial batches of these cartridges have already been sent to forces involved in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These anti-drone cartridges were developed by Closed Joint Stock Company Tekhkrim to counter the growing threat posed by drones in warfare.

Oleg Kuzmenko, director of CJSC Tekhkrim, informed Izvestia that the first batches, named 12/70 "Intercept" and 12/76 KS, have been deployed to Russian forces engaged in what Moscow refers to as a "Special Military Operation" in Ukraine. These cartridges are currently undergoing extensive testing in the conflict zone and are designed for use with 12-gauge smoothbore guns, such as the "Saiga-12," "Vepr-12," and MP-155, among other single-barrel and double-barrel models.

Kuzmenko explained that the Intercept cartridge features six lead segments connected by Kevlar thread. When fired, the structure opens up 15 to 20 meters from the muzzle, creating a destruction field with a diameter of up to one meter. This design is based on knitted buckshot traditionally used in hunting but adapted to ensure a continuous destruction field, minimizing gaps that could allow drones to escape unharmed.

The 12/76 KS cartridge, another innovative design, builds on the "Fat Goose" hunting cartridge, incorporating the renowned Eley ring for improved accuracy and an extended range of up to 75 meters. Loaded with a No 3 shot, which is highly effective against drones, the 12/76 KS achieves a balance between shot size and weight, maximizing impact while maintaining accuracy. However, Kuzmenko noted that the effectiveness of these cartridges at longer ranges depends on factors such as the shooter's skill and experience.

Ongoing testing aims to further refine the cartridge design. "We tested it on FPV drones," Kuzmenko said. "The results were good. Now we are waiting for practical application results to determine its effectiveness and identify any necessary improvements."

Russia has been developing various anti-drone technologies as drones have become cost-effective assets on the battlefield, capable of performing diverse tasks. One such innovation is the modified Joker-10 FPV drone, equipped to intercept enemy UAVs by releasing decoy thermal targets filled with explosives and projectiles. This modified drone can also ram enemy drones as a last resort.

Additionally, Russia is mass-producing the "Gran" electronic intelligence complex, which monitors drone frequencies and relays information to electronic warfare units, representing just a fraction of the new equipment being tested to combat enemy drones.

The introduction of new cartridges offers significant advantages on the battlefield. Russian experts believe these cartridges will effectively engage small drones with minimal training required for frontline fighters. Colonel Alexander Perendzhiev of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics praised the development, highlighting its cost-effectiveness and immediate applicability, which enhances fighter survival rates. He also noted that these cartridges could be useful for civilians in border areas where lightweight drones might target populations and infrastructure.

In rural areas, where many people own guns and know how to use them, such ammunition could help establish local defenses. The actual battlefield effectiveness of these new cartridges remains to be seen, but this development underscores Russia's ongoing efforts to innovate and devise new strategies to neutralize the drone threat.

US Air Force to Regularly Overhaul CCA Drones for Cost-Effective Combat Efficiency

 The U.S. Air Force's current aircraft fleet, comprising fighters, bombers, and tankers, includes models that have been in operation for decades. However, the new collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) drones, which will fly alongside manned fighters, are unlikely to last as long. Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin indicated that these drones would need to be replaced or significantly overhauled within a generation.

Speaking at the Air and Space Forces Association in Arlington, Virginia, Allvin emphasized that planning for regular replacements of CCAs is crucial for maintaining their simplicity and cost-effectiveness, allowing for their deployment in large numbers.

"I don't want CCAs that last 25 to 30 years," Allvin stated. "If they do, they’d need to perform a multitude of tasks, which would drive up costs." Instead, he suggested that simpler, single-purpose drones would be more affordable and feasible to field in significant quantities.

Air Force officials have frequently discussed the necessity of CCAs to support crewed fighters and achieve "affordable mass." Allvin warned that a smaller fleet of expensive drone wingmen would hinder this objective. He envisions rapid technological advancements making a decade-old CCA outdated, thus requiring replacements or significant updates with new technology.

“These CCAs may not stay relevant for long but could be adaptable thanks to built-in modularity,” Allvin noted.

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has instructed the service to aim for a fleet of about 1,000 CCAs to accompany the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter and the upcoming Next Generation Air Dominance fighter. The roles of CCAs will likely include strike missions, intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and decoy operations.

Kendall also emphasized the need for the CCA program to remain affordable, with each drone costing significantly less than an F-35. In April, the Air Force selected Anduril and General Atomics to develop and produce test aircraft for their CCA concepts.

During the event, Allvin acknowledged the financial pressures the Air Force faces, such as inflation and limited budgets. He highlighted the need to define what an effective future Air Force looks like and how much it depends on external resources.

When asked about the potential production of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter, Allvin did not make a firm commitment, indicating that decisions would unfold over the next few years.

Russian Military Aircraft Breach Finnish Airspace

 On June 10, the Finnish Ministry of Defense reported a suspected incursion into Finnish airspace by a Russian military aircraft near Loviisa, a town less than 100 km from Helsinki. This day saw significant Russian air activity, including flights by several Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 strategic bombers, escorted by Su-30SM, Su-27, and Su-33 fighters over the Barents Sea, Norwegian Sea, and Baltic Sea.

Additionally, German Eurofighter EF-2000 jets stationed in NATO's Latvia were dispatched to intercept two Su-27 fighters and an Il-20 Coot electronic reconnaissance aircraft operating near the Baltic states without prior flight plans or active transponders.

According to the Finnish Ministry of Defense, the Russian aircraft reportedly penetrated 2.5 km (1.55 miles) into Finnish territory before turning back, with the incursion lasting around two minutes. Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen emphasized the seriousness of any suspected territorial violation, noting that preliminary investigations are conducted in such cases.

Four days later, the investigation revealed the situation was more serious than initially thought. The Finnish Border Guard Agency, under the Ministry's jurisdiction, discovered that at least three additional aircraft were involved in the breach, totaling four aircraft: two bombers and two fighters. The investigation continues, and final results will be shared upon completion.

Interestingly, the Finnish Air Force, despite deploying four F/A-18 Hornets in Romania under NATO, did not initially respond to this incident. This was not addressed in the Ministry of Defense's first press release. However, back in August 2022, one of their fighter jets intercepted two MiG-31s that briefly entered Finnish airspace, coinciding with Russia's nuclear exercises with Belarus.

Historical Context:

Finland, once part of the Kingdom of Sweden for over 600 years, was ceded to the Russian Empire in 1809, gaining a special autonomous status as a grand duchy. After the Russian Empire's collapse in 1917, Finland declared independence. The Winter War of 1940 tested Finland's independence, with the Soviet Union annexing parts of the country despite Finland's strong defense. This left lasting concerns about potential future conflicts with Russia.

During the Cold War, Finland maintained its independence but could not strongly oppose the Soviet Union, a period known as "Finlandization." After the Soviet Union's fall, Finland joined the European Union and NATO, achieving full political freedom.

Finland has since prepared for potential conflict with Russia, evident in its defense strategy, which includes remote highways set up for fighter jets. This allows for quick mobilization of its air force, assuming regular air bases might be initial targets in a conflict. Finland's "total defense" strategy, according to the Financial Times, showcases a robust Finnish Air Force, currently operating F/A-18 fighter jets soon to be upgraded to advanced F-35 Lightning IIs.

Indonesia Considers Chinese YJ-12E Anti-Ship Missiles Amid South China Sea Tensions

 Indonesia is reportedly contemplating the purchase of YJ-12E anti-ship missiles from China, as indicated by Malaysian media. The defense portal DefSecAsia.com noted Indonesia’s interest in acquiring these missiles, raising eyebrows given the ongoing maritime border dispute between Indonesia and China in the South China Sea. This potential acquisition might be driven by political motivations beyond mere defense enhancements.

The South China Morning Post cited Indonesian analysts suggesting that the arms deal could symbolize a strategic political gesture, reassuring China that Indonesia is not a threat. An Indonesian military expert drew parallels to Malaysia's purchase of Keris patrol boats from China, intended to convey a non-confrontational stance towards China.

Moreover, reports indicate that Indonesia is considering collaboration with China for the production of the YJ-12E missile. Previously, Indonesia has partnered with Turkey to procure Atmaca anti-ship missiles and is currently negotiating joint production with Turkey. Malaysia has followed Indonesia's lead by expressing interest in a partnership with Turkish aerospace manufacturer Roketsan to produce Atmaca missiles.

STM General Manager Özger Gülerüz confirmed that Roketsan will supply Atmaca missiles to Malaysia, making it the second ASEAN nation after Indonesia to acquire this technology. The Atmaca is a sophisticated anti-ship missile with a range of up to 200 kilometers, and Indonesia is set to receive 45 Atmaca missiles to enhance its naval defenses. These missiles will be deployed on Fatahillah-class, Parhum-class, and KCR FPB 57 corvettes, bolstering their capabilities against enemy ships.

While Atmaca missiles will be stationed on warships, the YJ-12E is intended for shore-based military posts. Indonesian military experts suggest that the Atmaca and YJ-12E will complement each other in national defense. Should Malaysia also procure the Atmaca, they might consider the YJ-12E due to the synergy between these systems.

The YJ-12E, an export variant of China's YJ-12, is a supersonic anti-ship missile designed to target large naval vessels, including aircraft carriers. Known for its speed and maneuverability, it poses a significant threat in maritime warfare. The missile measures approximately 6.3 meters in length and 0.76 meters in diameter, allowing it to carry a substantial warhead while maintaining a streamlined profile for high-speed travel.

Powered by a solid rocket booster for initial launch and a ramjet engine for sustained supersonic cruise, the YJ-12E can achieve speeds of up to Mach 3, performing evasive maneuvers to evade interception. It can be launched from various platforms, including aircraft, surface ships, and potentially land-based launchers, enhancing its operational flexibility.

Equipped with a high-explosive warhead, the YJ-12E is designed to inflict maximum damage upon impact. Its high speed increases the kinetic energy, enhancing its destructive capability. With an operational range of approximately 400 kilometers, the YJ-12E can engage targets from a considerable distance, providing a strategic advantage by keeping launch platforms out of enemy defense range.