Russia and Ukraine have both deployed DJI drones and technology in warfare. While Ukraine is using DJI drones to spy on the Russian military, Russia is primarily using DJI's technology known as AeroScope.
DJI itself is a commercial drone manufacturer from China that is very well known for its reliability. Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Mykhailo Fedorov said that DJI should block the technology used by Russia.
"Are you sure you want to be a partner to the killers? Block your product that helped Russia kill Ukrainian citizens," he wrote in a letter to DJI.
So, what is the DJI AeroScope? Initially, DJI launched it for public safety. If there is a drone that cannot be controlled, such as approaching the airport or stadium, law enforcement can anticipate it early on.
As quoted by us from The Verge, Thursday (24/3/2022) every DJI drone emits a special signal that can not only determine the position of the drone, but also the pilot. This makes it easier if the police want to monitor DJI drone activity in an area.
This technology is indeed risky, even in ordinary situations. If someone had access to the AeroScope and had malicious intent, they could interfere with someone else's drone. So, DJI only sells its system to certain institutions.
But DJI may not have anticipated that Russia would use it in its war against Ukraine. AeroScope might let the Russian military know the exact location of the Ukrainian drone pilot and be able to use that information to launch an attack.
So far, there is no valid evidence that Russia is using the AeroScope, but the Ukrainians seem to believe it. The proof is that the deputy prime minister sent a special letter asking for DJI's assistance in deactivating the DJI drone device and its technology used by Russia.