The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially added foreign-manufactured drones and their critical components to its national security “Covered List,” citing unacceptable security risks.
This move, spurred by a National Security Determination from an executive branch interagency body, targets new drone models going forward but does not affect existing consumer devices.
On December 22, 2025, the FCC updated its “Covered List” to include all uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and related critical components produced in foreign countries. This update was mandated by Section 1709 of the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act and follows determinations made by national security agencies under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019.
The determination identifies a broad range of potential threats posed by foreign-made drones. These include unauthorized surveillance, data exfiltration, remote disablement via software updates, and even physical attacks during mass-gathering events such as the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. UAS components of concern include flight controllers, navigation systems, communication devices, batteries, and ground control stations.
The FCC emphasized that the decision only impacts new models that have not yet received FCC equipment authorization. Existing products can still be marketed, sold, and used in the US. This clarification is critical for the many individuals, businesses, and public agencies currently using drones, including those made by DJI, which dominate the global consumer and commercial drone market.
DJI's response and industry impact
In response to the announcement, DJI released a public statement across social media platforms stressing that the FCC update “does not affect DJI products already in use in the U.S.” The company reiterated that customers can continue to purchase and fly DJI drones, and that previously authorized models remain unaffected.
DJI pushed back against the national security narrative, stating that “concerns about DJI's data security are about protectionism, not evidence.” The company asserts that its products are among “the safest and most secure on the market,” citing years of reviews by US government agencies and independent third parties. While expressing disappointment in the FCC's decision, DJI affirmed its ongoing commitment to US customers and said it is “actively exploring paths forward.”
DJI, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, commands an estimated 70% share of the global drone market and is widely used by hobbyists, businesses, and even US law enforcement and public safety agencies. The FCC's move does not name DJI directly but targets all drones manufactured in foreign countries, thereby implicitly covering the vast majority of DJI's production.
The policy shift aligns with broader White House initiatives, including the Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty and Unleashing American Drone Dominance executive orders issued earlier in 2025. These orders underscore a strategic push to revitalize the US domestic drone manufacturing base while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers for dual-use technologies, such as drones.
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