The Federal Communications Commission has added foreign-made drones and their critical components to the agency’s “covered list,” making their importation into the United States prohibited. In a public notice issued by the FCC, several national security agencies have determined that unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their critical components produced in foreign countries pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States.
“UAS and their critical components must be produced in the United States,” the agency said. “UAS are inherently dual-use: they are both commercial platforms and potentially military or paramilitary sensors and weapons. UAS and their critical components, including data transmission devices, communications systems, flight controllers, ground control stations, controllers, navigation systems, batteries, smart batteries and motors produced in a foreign country could enable persistent surveillance, data exfiltration and destructive operations within the territory American, including at World Cup and Olympic venues and other mass gathering events.”
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr clarified on X that the ban does not affect older drones. People can continue to use devices they have already purchased, and retailers can continue to sell models already approved by the agency. The new rule only applies to upcoming models. He also said the War Department or the Department of Homeland Security may authorize the sale of specific new models, a certain class of drones or particular components in the United States.
The FCC didn’t name any specific manufacturers, but one of the most well-known brands that will be affected by the ban is Chinese company DJI, which told Engadget it was disappointed by the agency’s decision. “While DJI has not been singled out, no information has been released about what information the executive branch used to reach its decision,” a spokesperson said. DJI has long been in the crosshairs of the US government and has been trying to prove that its products do not pose a threat to national security.
“DJI products are among the safest and most secure on the market, backed by years of reviews by U.S. government agencies and independent third parties,” they added. “Concerns about DJI’s data security are not based on evidence and instead reflect protectionism, contrary to the principles of an open market.”
