The world’s largest commercial drone manufacturer is taking on the Defense Department in a courtroom “Clash of the Titans” over a 2022 decision to put Shenzhen DJI Innovation Technology Co. — better known as DJI — on the Pentagon’s list of restricted companies that have links to China’s military and its Communist government.

WASHINGTON: China-based DJI sued the United States Defense Department on Friday (Oct 18) for adding the drone maker to a list of companies allegedly working with Beijing's military, saying the designation is wrong and has caused the company significant financial harm.

DJI claims it operates solely in the commercial sector with no military ties, disputing the Pentagon's designation.

The China-based maker of more than half of all commercial drones in the U.S. went to court to fight its placement on a list of companies said to be working with the Chinese military.

DJI challenges Pentagon's "Chinese Military Company" designation in a landmark lawsuit, raising questions about government overreach.