Today, the FCC built on the actions directed by Section 1709 of the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to protect U.S. national security and encourage American Drone Dominance. AUVSI applauds the FCC for placing Chinese drone companies DJI and Autel on the Covered List, fulfilling the will of Congress under the NDAA to protect U.S. national security. Multiple U.S. intelligence and security agencies have determined these PRC-made drones present risks that cannot be adequately mitigated.

In addition to the Covered List designation, the FCC’s Public Notice initiates a broader review of foreign-manufactured uncrewed aircraft systems and critical components to assess and mitigate national security risks across the UAS ecosystem. This combined action will truly unleash American Drone Dominance. AUVSI supports strong, risk-informed measures to address national security threats posed by foreign ownership, control, or influence in uncrewed aircraft systems.

At the same time, any policy restricting the import of foreign-manufactured drones or components from allied nations must carefully balance security objectives with the operational, economic, and innovation risks created by overly broad or inflexible controls. A waiver system administered through the FCC and Department of War should be appropriately tailored, transparent, and scalable, ensuring it mitigates genuine security risk without unintentionally undermining domestic manufacturing, allied supply chains, or critical war fighting, public safety, and commercial operations.

Recent history underscores why the United States must increase domestic drone production and secure its supply chains. During the COVID-19 pandemic, China restricted access to critical supplies when Americans needed them most. China has further demonstrated its willingness to restrict access to critical technology inputs when it suits its strategic interests, as it did recently by controlling exports of gallium, germanium, and other essential semiconductor materials. The United States cannot risk similar dependence in drones or other vital technologies.

The FCC’s Covered List action does not prohibit the use of drones already in operation;  agencies and operators can continue using any drones they already own and no public-safety drones are being grounded. The changes apply only to new products entering the U.S. market after December 22, 2025. This phased transition ensures critical missions continue uninterrupted while giving the U.S. time to scale trusted, compliant systems.

By prioritizing trusted technology and resilient supply chains, the FCC’s action will accelerate innovation, enhance system security, and ensure the U.S. drone industry expands rather than remaining under foreign control.

As an international organization representing stakeholders across the United States and allied countries, AUVSI encourages implementation approaches that maintain strong collaboration with trusted partners and avoid unintended impacts on allied innovation and supply chains. AUVSI will continue collaborating with policymakers, regulators, public safety agencies, and industry stakeholders to support a smooth transition that strengthens American innovation, safeguards critical missions, creates high-quality jobs, and reduces long-term strategic dependence on foreign adversaries.

– Michael Robbins, President and CEO, Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)

The full public notice is available here.

Read the FCC Fact Sheet.