The FCC said Monday it will bar the sale of new foreign-made drones in the U.S., a move that prevents new models from Chinese manufacturers such as DJI and Autel from entering the market. The decision follows a federal review that found foreign-made drones and key components pose "unacceptable risks" to national security, though exemptions may be granted by the Pentagon or DHS. Industry groups say the move should accelerate U.S. production, while users warn of short-term disruption and manufacturers seek clarity on implementation.
U.S. Bars New Foreign-Made Drones — Chinese Models Like DJI and Autel Blocked After Security Review
FILE - Federal Communications Commission chairman Brendan Carr speaks during the Concordia Annual Summit in New York, Sept. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki, File)
The Federal Communications Commission announced Monday that it will prohibit the introduction of new foreign-made drones into the United States, a decision that effectively prevents new models from Chinese manufacturers such as DJI and Autel from entering the U.S. market.
What the Decision Says
The announcement follows a Congress-passed defense bill and an FCC review with a Dec. 23 deadline. The FCC concluded the review by saying drones and critical components manufactured abroad — not only those from the two named Chinese firms — pose "unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of U.S. persons." The agency said specific models or parts could be exempted if the Department of Defense or the Department of Homeland Security determines they do not present such risks.
Why Officials Cited the Move
The FCC cited major upcoming events — including the 2026 World Cup, America250 celebrations and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles — as reasons to address potential drone threats from "criminals, hostile foreign actors, and terrorists." The agency framed the decision as a preventive step to protect public safety and national security at high-profile gatherings.
Industry And Manufacturer Reactions
Michael Robbins, president and CEO of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), welcomed the ruling and said it should spur more domestic production and secure supply chains. "Recent history underscores why the United States must increase domestic drone production and secure its supply chains," Robbins said, citing Beijing's willingness to restrict critical materials such as rare earth magnets for strategic reasons.
DJI responded that it was disappointed with the FCC decision and noted that no detailed evidence has been made public about the Executive Branch's determination. The company said concerns about its data security have not been grounded in evidence and characterized the move as protectionist.
Local Users And U.S. Makers React
Users and small businesses that rely on foreign-made drones warned of near-term disruption. In Texas, Gene Robinson, who operates a fleet of nine DJI drones for law enforcement training and forensic analysis, said the restrictions would hurt operations that rely on the drones' performance and affordability. "Now we are paying the price," Robinson said, urging acceptance of short-term pain to rebuild domestic capabilities.
Also in Texas, Arthur Erickson, CEO and co-founder of Hylio, a U.S. drone maker, said DJI's exit could create space for American manufacturers to grow. Erickson said new investments are flowing to increase production of agricultural spray drones and other domestic models, which could reduce prices over time. Still, he called it "crazy" and "unexpected" that the FCC broadened the restriction to all foreign-made drones and components, and urged clarification due to the reality of a global allied supply chain.
Next Steps And Clarifications
The FCC said exemptions could be granted on a case-by-case basis by the Pentagon or DHS, but it has not yet published detailed criteria or a timetable for exemptions. The decision is likely to accelerate investment in U.S. drone manufacturing while prompting questions from current users and allied suppliers about how the policy will be implemented.
Bottom line: The ruling aims to reduce perceived national-security risks from foreign-made drone hardware but is expected to cause short-term disruption for users and to spur growth and investment in domestic drone manufacturing.
