Representational image/DJI
The US Air Force is preparing to buy several Chinese-made DJI drones for an unusual reason: to help protect one of America’s most sensitive military installations from the very drones it has spent years warning about.
According to newly posted federal contracting documents, the Air Force plans to purchase refurbished DJI drones for counter-drone training at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, home to the 90th Missile Wing and its fleet of Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles. First reported by Stars and Stripes, the move underscores just how dominant DJI remains in the global drone market, even as the company continues to face scrutiny from US lawmakers and defense officials.
Rather than flying surveillance missions, the DJI aircraft will serve as realistic targets, allowing Air Force security personnel to train against the kinds of drones they are most likely to encounter in a real-world attack.
According to the solicitation, the Air Force is seeking a small-business supplier to provide two refurbished DJI Mavic 2 Pro drones with Fly More kits, two Mini 3 Pro drones, two Avata 2 Fly More Combos, and six payload-release devices.
