AUVSI Calls on Congress to Ban DOD Use of Unsecure Autonomous Vehicles in the National Defense Authorization Act

October 11, 2024 | AUVSI News

Today, the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) submitted comments to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Armed Services regarding the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The Senate-passed version of the bill includes a section requiring a study and report on DoD’s use of Chinese-made unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and prohibiting the procurement and operation by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) of covered UGVs from covered foreign entities. AUVSI’s comments request that this measure be retained in the final version of the NDAA that is sent to the President for signature into law.

AUVSI writes in its comments to Chairman Reed, Chairman Rogers, Ranking Member Wicker, and Ranking Member Smith: “While the U.S. has lost leadership in some critical technology sectors, we maintain the market advantage in UGVs. However, the Chinese government is supporting its robotics industry and PRC-domiciled producers are rapidly closing the gap, both in capabilities and low price points.

The U.S. must learn from important warning signs in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sector, where DoD, DHS, CISA, and other agencies have issued warnings about the serious risks of reliance on PRC-domiciled companies DJI and Autel, to include network security and data exfiltration issues with sophisticated systems designed and programmed by China. DoD entities should be wary about buying and using similar unmanned ground systems, such as those from the DJI-spinoff robotics company Unitree, from countries of concern, with limited exceptions.

It is urgent for the United States government to take action to prevent a foreseeable outcome where the U.S. DoD becomes reliant on the PRC for robotics capabilities, which are critical tools for building and fielding the modern force necessary to meet the urgent pacing challenges posed by the PRC and Russia.”

Earlier this year, AUVSI announced a partnership with Neya Systems, a leading provider of off-road autonomy and mission planning software, to develop a cybersecurity and supply chain framework and certification program for UGVs. This forthcoming program aims to establish comprehensive standards and testing protocols that will enhance the security, performance, and reliability of uncrewed and autonomous ground vehicles and robotics.

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