FCC Bans New Foreign Drones Over Security Risks

The Federal Communications Commission announced this week that it has added all foreign-made uncrewed aircraft systems, or drones, and their critical components to its Covered List, effectively banning the import, marketing, and sale of new models in the United States due to national security concerns.

The decision, based on an interagency review led by the executive branch, determines that such drones and components pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security and the safety of American persons. The review, involving multiple national security agencies, highlighted potential threats including unauthorized surveillance, sensitive data exfiltration, supply chain vulnerabilities, and the possibility of direct attacks or disruptions. Officials emphasized that drones have a dual-use nature, serving both commercial purposes and potential military or paramilitary functions as sensors or weapons.

Under the new rule, foreign-produced drones cannot receive the FCC's required equipment authorization, a prerequisite for legal entry into the U.S. market. This applies to a wide range of critical components, such as data transmission devices, communications systems, flight controllers,...