The US Department of the Interior has grounded its fleet of Chinese-made drones as it conducts a review of the programme. Nick Goodwin, an Interior Department spokesman, did not provide a reason for the decision but it comes amid US security concerns over Chinese electronics. Goodwin said the review had been ordered by Interior Department Secretary David Bernhardt.
"Until this review is completed, the Secretary has directed that drones manufactured in China or made from Chinese components be grounded," he said.
Exceptions would be made for drones that are being used for emergency purposes such as fighting wildfires, search and rescue, and dealing with natural disasters, Goodwin said.
According to sources familiar with the program, the Interior Department has a fleet of 810 drones, almost all built by Chinese companies. Only 24 are US-made and even those have Chinese electronic components, the sources said.
The US Department of Homeland Security issued a warning in May that Chinese-made drones could pose a security risk.
