The FCC announced a ban on drones and critical components made in foreign countries, citing national security concerns.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said it has banned drones and key components manufactured abroad over national security concerns.
The U.S. government said drones can improve safety and innovation but also pose security risks if used by criminals or threat actors. Ahead of major events like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, it is acting to protect airspace and reduce reliance on foreign-made drones for national security.
“Yesterday, following a thorough review by an Executive Branch interagency body with appropriate national security expertise that was convened by the White House, the FCC received a specific determination that UAS and UAS critical component parts that are produced in foreign countries pose “unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of U.S. persons” and should be included on the FCC’s Covered List, unless the Department of War or the Department of Homeland Security makes a specific determination to the FCC that a given UAS, class of UAS, or UAS critical component does not pose such risks.” reads the News Release published by FCC. “The determination includes the equipment and services listed in Section 1709 of the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act. Therefore, consistent with this National Security Determination, the FCC updated the Covered List to include UAS and UAS critical components produced abroad.”
The FCC added foreign-made drones and key components to its Covered List under the 2025 NDAA, blocking China-made drones like DJI and Autel from the U.S. market. It said drones can aid safety and innovation but also pose serious security risks if misused by criminals, hostile actors, or terrorists.
The FCC’s Covered List identifies communications equipment and services that pose national security or public safety risks. National security authorities direct updates to the list, and covered equipment cannot receive FCC approval, blocking it from being imported, marketed, or sold in the U.S.
According to the FCC, the decision does not affect existing drones or previously approved models. The restrictions apply only to new device models going forward.
“I welcome this Executive Branch national security determination, and I am pleased that the FCC has now added foreign drones and related components, which pose an unacceptable national security risk, to the FCC’s Covered List. Following President Trump’s leadership, the FCC will work closely with U.S. drone makers to unleash American drone dominance.” said Chairman Carr.
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