UAS And Components Added To List Of ‘Unacceptable Risk’

The Federal Communications Commission, responding to President Donald Trump’s Executive Order “Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty,” as well as upcoming mass-gathering events in 2026 and 2028, has taken steps to safeguard the public by updating the list of unmanned aerial systems and components that pose “unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of U.S. persons.”

As a result of an interagency collaboration and determination, certain new drones and components are prohibited from being imported for use or sale in the U.S. Existing, previously approved devices or drones are not covered under this update, nor does it cover previously purchased drones; i.e., consumers can continue to use any drone they have already lawfully purchased.

Additionally, specific drones or components are exempt if the Pentagon or Department of Homeland Security have previously determined they do not pose any security risks.

The agency said that permitting foreign-made UAS and component parts to be sold in the U.S. "undermines the resiliency of our UAS industrial base, increases the risk to our national airspace, and creates a potential for large-scale attacks during large gatherings," noting the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

The FCC also said, "Criminals, terrorists, and hostile foreign actors have intensified their weaponization of these technologies, creating new and serious threats to our homeland."

A spokesperson for DJI, who has a major market share for drone sales in the U.S., said the company is “disappointed” by the FCC decision and that "no information has been released regarding what information was used" in the government's determination to add its drones and component parts to the covered list.

Arthur Erickson, CEO and co-founder of Hylio, a drone manufacturing company in Texas, said the departure of DJI would enable expanded opportunities for American companies like his to grow. He added that new investments are helping him increase the production of spray drones for farmers to fertilize fields and help bring down prices.

FMI:  www.fcc.gov/