Nepal in a bind as US-China drone war reaches Everest
Summary
U.S. officials led by President Donald Trump’s special envoy attempted to test their drone technology at Mount Everest’s base camp in Nepal but were denied permission by Nepal’s government. China’s drone company DJI has been operating drones in the same area to carry supplies for climbers, creating tension as the two countries compete in high-tech drone use near the mountain.Key Facts
- President Donald Trump’s special envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor, led the U.S. team to test a drone at the Everest base camp.
- The U.S. wanted to use the Alta X Gen 2 drone to transport oxygen bottles and gear to Camp I on Everest.
- Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs refused the U.S. drone flight permit citing security concerns and drone regulations.
- China’s DJI FlyCart 30 drone has been flying supplies to Everest Camp I since 2024.
- DJI provided their latest drone, FlyCart 100, to a Nepalese drone company, AirLift Technology, to carry heavy loads to Camp I quickly.
- DJI drones reduce the need for Sherpas to carry supplies, cutting the time and effort required by local workers.
- Experts say Nepal faces difficulties because it is caught between U.S. and China competition in drone technology near the mountain.
- Nepal’s government has changed its decisions about drone permissions due to pressure from both the U.S. and China.
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