The UK Government’s Debarment List is Now Live — Is the Clock Ticking for Chinese Drones?

Press

Founder & CEO of Coptrz

Back in the autumn, I flagged the UK Procurement Act 2023 as a seismic shift for public sector drone procurement. One of its most potent instruments is now in play: the Debarment List—a live register of suppliers barred from public contracts on grounds like national security and ethical misconduct.

You can view it here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/procurement-review-unit#debarment-list

Right now, the UK list is short. ZERO entries But make no mistake—the clock is ticking.

AUTEL, a Chinese drone manufacturer, is already sanctioned by the UK under the Russia sanctions regime. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, bans on Chinese drone tech are accelerating across U.S. federal and state agencies.

So, the pressing question for everyone in the UK drone ecosystem is: Could DJI be next? And if so, when? Personally and at Coptrz we hope not.

For an industry that has grown up on DJI technology, the implications are profound. Would a ban protect national interests—or deal a body blow to UK PLC’s drone capabilities in an increasingly competitive global market?

What happens when the dominant player disappears overnight? Who fills the void?

This isn’t about vilifying DJI, which has undeniably led innovation in our sector. It’s about facing up to a fast-changing geopolitical and regulatory environment—one in which today’s procurement choices could become tomorrow’s liabilities.

Right now, we’re in a holding pattern. The debarment list exists, but it’s empty. There’s no clarity on when it will be updated—or who will appear. And that uncertainty is paralysing.

Budgets are being diverted. Procurement is slowing. Confidence is eroding.

Without decisive guidance, UK buyers, investors, and public bodies are left guessing—with long-term strategic risks stacking up.

Due diligence isn’t just advisable anymore—it’s essential.

The stakes are national. The consequences? Potentially catastrophic.

This is a slow-burning fuse that could detonate at any time.

I’d love to hear your thoughts—especially from those in public procurement, defence, or commercial drone operations.

Let’s not wait until the explosion to start the conversation.