Goodbye, DJI: FCC bans foreign-made drone and key components

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a ban on all drones and their critical components made in a foreign country, citing national security concerns.

The agency has added uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and their critical components produced in a foreign country to its Covered List.

All communications and video surveillance equipment and services pursuant to the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act were also inserted in the list.

This move essentially means that China-made drones, such as those from DJI and Autel Robotics, will not be available on the American market.

According to the FCC, while drones offer the potential to enhance public safety and innovation, criminals, hostile foreign actors, and terrorists can weaponize them to present serious threats to the US.

“As President Trump’s Unleashing American Drone Dominance Executive Order and National Security Strategy outlined, ensuring a strong and resilient drone industrial base is an economic and national security priority. Relying on foreign-made UAS threatens national security,” the FCC’s news release reads.

The agency further explained that it was taking this decision to safeguard Americans and “restore American airspace sovereignty,” as the country prepares to host major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics.

“UAS and UAS critical components must be produced in the United States,” the FCC said.

“This will reduce the risk of direct UAS attacks and disruptions, unauthorized surveillance, sensitive data exfiltration, and other UAS threats to the homeland.”

Currently, it’s still possible to purchase DJI drones in the US, and the FCC explainer leaves some room for exceptions, as the Pentagon or the Department of Homeland Security can clear a drone or component for use.

“UAS and UAS 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 over US territory,” added the agency.

In September, a US federal judge rebuffed drone maker DJI’s efforts to be removed from a Department of War list of Chinese military companies. The firm has consistently claimed it’s not owned or controlled by the Chinese military.

Currently, it’s still possible to purchase DJI drones in the US, and the FCC explainer leaves some room for exceptions, as the Pentagon or the Department of Homeland Security can clear a drone or component for use.

However, for now, Americans – who have been using DJI drones for both recreational purposes and professional applications, such as spraying fields with fertilizer, surveying land, monitoring construction projects, and inspecting roofs and utility lines – will be unable to purchase new models.

“People are pissed – incredibly, incredibly pissed – about the whole thing,” Vic Moss, the volunteer director of the Drone Advocacy Alliance, which represents pilots who want to continue to buy DJI drones, told The New York Times.

The only positive news for DJI drone owners in the US is that the FCC’s decision doesn’t affect their ability to fly the drones they already own or previously approved models.

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