The Federal Communications Commission has issued a public notice adding non‑U.S.-manufactured uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and key UAS components to its national security “Covered List,” effectively blocking future FCC equipment authorizations for new foreign-made drones and related radio components used to import and sell them in the United States. This action, driven by an executive-branch national security determination and tied to mandates in the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act, is aimed at reducing risks of unauthorized surveillance, data exfiltration, and other homeland security threats associated with foreign-produced drone platforms and parts. Existing drones and models that have already received FCC authorization are not grounded by this notice, but major foreign drone manufacturers—particularly Chinese companies such as DJI and Autel—will be unable to bring new models or critical communications hardware to the U.S. market going forward.
