The war between Russia and Ukraine involves several advanced combat drones with powerful bombs. However, it seems that not only such drones have been deployed, DJI's drones have played no less important role in this fierce battle.
DJI drones, a technology company from China, are selling well because they are reliable when operated and the recording results are good. However, in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, DJI drones were used for military purposes even though DJI emphasized that the products were not for war.
Usually, drone activists in Ukraine will fly their devices for photography or other activities such as racing. But now, they are risking their lives as volunteers who use drones to spy on Russian soldiers.
“Kyiv needs you and your drones at this moment,” wrote a recent Facebook post from the Ukrainian military to Ukrainians who love drones and are experienced in operating them.
In a new video, DJI drones in Ukraine are seen being used to drop grenades targeting the Russian military. But on the other hand, Russia is using DJI's products and technology even more powerfully.
Ukraine claims Russia has used DJI products to help direct missiles that target targets in Ukraine and kill civilians. Not only that, Russia is said to have exploited DJI's technology called AeroScope.
The DJI AeroScope can detect other drones flying up to 50 kilometers. Its actual use is to prevent collisions between drones, but the Russians use it, among other things, to detect Ukrainian drones
As quoted by us from the Associated Press, Wednesday (23/3/2022) Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Mykhailo Fedorov was annoyed. He asked DJI to block DJI's technology and drone products from being used by Russia.
Fedorov claimed, the Russian side with the help of navigation from DJI products, had fired missiles that killed hundreds of Ukrainian civilians, including children.
"Russian soldiers have used DJI products to navigate their missiles. Block your product which has helped Russia kill Ukrainian citizens," he wrote on Twitter.
DJI said in reply that they could not disable drones used by individuals, but could impose software restrictions so that drones could not approach airports or other sensitive areas.
But it will not only affect Russian drones, but all drones operated in Ukraine. Regarding AeroSpace technology, DJI said it could not disable it.
"Dear Deputy PM Fedorov, all DJI products are designed for civilian use and do not meet military specifications. The DJI AeroSpace system is provided for all new drones. This functionality cannot be turned off," said DJI.