Ankara: A US federal appeals court has mandated a reconsideration by a lower court concerning the Pentagon's decision to blacklist DJI, a Chinese drone manufacturer, due to alleged military ties, as reported by Chinese state-run media.

According to Anadolu Agency, the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit stated on Friday that the lower court's decision was flawed, as it relied solely on unclassified records to determine DJI's contribution to China's defense industrial base. The appeals court noted the absence of a publicly stated rationale from the Secretary for the designation of DJI as contributing to the Chinese defense sector.

The case has now been remanded to the lower court for further examination. DJI has welcomed this development, viewing it as a significant progression in its ongoing legal battle against the US Department of Defense's classification.

DJI expressed to the Global Times that the positive ruling by the US appeals court is a crucial step towards rectifying what it considers an erroneous designation by the Department of Defense. The company has reiterated its stance against the use of its products and technologies for military purposes and is determined to continue seeking legal measures to safeguard its interests and those of its users.

DJI was placed on the Pentagon's blacklist in October 2022. After failing to overturn the designation through administrative procedures, the company initiated a lawsuit in October 2024. The lower court previously ruled in favor of the Department of Defense in 2025, leading to DJI's appeal.

DJI contends that the Pentagon's designation was made without adequate evidence or due process, resulting in significant reputational and commercial harm to the company.