Across police departments, fire stations, and utility crews, a quiet shift is underway. DJI, long the dominant drone supplier, is facing scrutiny over data security and foreign ties. Meanwhile, Autel Robotics is stepping up with American-grounded alternatives.
Why the Shift?
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DJI has been flagged by U.S. agencies for cybersecurity concerns
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Autel offers data isolation, no forced cloud sync, and offline capability
Who’s Making the Switch:
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Fire departments in California replacing DJI with EVO II Dual for hotspot detection
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Midwestern sheriff’s offices adopting Autel Max 4T for night patrol and search
The Bottom Line: Agencies aren't making noise about it, but the writing is on the wall. Secure, American-operated drones like Autel's are gaining trust where operational integrity is non-negotiable.
