American Startup Tackles U.S. Concerns Over Chinese-Made Drones with Ties to DJI

A new player in the drone market is providing an alternative to the dominance of Chinese-made drones in the United States. Anzu Robotics, a startup founded by American executives and based in Texas, has developed drones that are assembled in Malaysia and operated using servers in Virginia.

American Roots, Chinese Connections

Despite being an American company, Anzu Robotics faces a critical challenge. It has significant ties to China and DJI, a leading Chinese drone manufacturer. Around half of Anzu's drone components are sourced from China, and its software has origins in the country. Moreover, Anzu has licensed drone designs from DJI and makes payments to the company for each drone manufactured in Malaysia.

Target Market and Concerns

Anzu's drones are anticipated to be utilized by various sectors including law enforcement, utilities, and architecture. However, the company's association with Chinese entities raises concerns amidst the U.S. government's efforts to restrict the sales of Chinese drones in the country.