Full Breakdown
Texas Attorney General Sues Anzu Robotics Over Alleged Ties to Chinese Drone Manufacturer DJI
2/20/2026, 5:58:46 AM
Allegations Against Anzu Robotics
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Anzu Robotics, claiming the company misrepresented its relationship with the Chinese drone manufacturer SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd. (DJI). The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for Collin County, Texas, alleges that Anzu's Raptor T drones are essentially rebranded DJI products, designed to circumvent U.S. government restrictions on Chinese technology. Paxton described Anzu's products as “nothing more than a 21st-century Trojan horse linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).”
The lawsuit accuses Anzu of engaging in “false, misleading, or deceptive acts or practices” under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Consumer Protection Act. It seeks civil penalties of up to $10,000 for each violation and requests a jury trial. The state argues that Anzu's drones, marketed as American-made alternatives, share identical hardware, firmware, and software with DJI drones, differing only in branding and color.
Background and Context
DJI has faced scrutiny from U.S. authorities for its ties to the Chinese government, particularly regarding data security and surveillance concerns. In January 2025, the U.S. Department of War identified DJI as a company supporting the CCP, leading to its inclusion on Texas's Prohibited Technologies List. The lawsuit against Anzu is part of a broader initiative by Paxton to target companies with alleged connections to China, including a recent lawsuit against TP-Link, a smart home device manufacturer.
Key Allegations and Technical Details
The lawsuit details several technical similarities between Anzu's Raptor T and DJI's Mavic 3 drone, including identical internal components and reliance on DJI's cryptographic keys for firmware updates. Texas alleges that these connections expose consumers to potential data breaches, as DJI retains control over the encryption keys, allowing it to access and modify data from Anzu drones.
Anzu has claimed that its firmware is independently developed and that customer data is stored securely. However, the lawsuit challenges these assertions, arguing that Anzu's claims about data security are misleading. The state contends that Anzu's failure to disclose its ties to DJI in regulatory filings constitutes a violation of consumer protection laws.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the lawsuit, Anzu Robotics has not issued a formal statement. However, CEO Randall Warnas previously indicated that the Raptor series of drones was discontinued due to component shortages. The company has emphasized its American ownership and commitment to data security, asserting that its products comply with domestic regulatory standards.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the lawsuit argue that it reflects a growing trend of political maneuvering against Chinese-affiliated companies rather than genuine consumer protection. Some industry experts suggest that the complexities of global supply chains and licensing agreements complicate the narrative, as many tech companies rely on international partnerships for product development.
What's Next
The lawsuit against Anzu Robotics is set to proceed in court, where the state will seek to prove its allegations of deceptive practices. The outcome could have significant implications for Anzu and similar companies operating in the U.S. market, particularly regarding their ability to market products that may be functionally equivalent to those banned due to national security concerns. The case underscores the increasing scrutiny of technology partnerships amid rising geopolitical tensions.
