In order to prevent new Chinese-made drones, like those from DJI and Autel, from entering the U.S. market, the Federal Communications Commission announced on Monday that it will outlaw new drones manufactured abroad. The declaration was made a year after Congress approved a military measure that brought up national security issues about Chinese-manufactured drones, which are now a major force in the United States and are frequently utilized for farming, mapping, law enforcement, and filming.

Adam Whitmore

According to the law, if a review determined that the two Chinese businesses' new drones constituted a threat to American national security, they would not be allowed to sell them in the United States. The review was due on December 23. The FCC announced on Monday that the investigation concluded that there were "unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of U.S. persons" associated with all drones and crucial components made abroad, not just by the two Chinese businesses. However, it stated that some drones or parts would be exempt if the Department of Homeland Security or the Pentagon decided they did not present such hazards.

The 2026 World Cup, America250 celebrations, and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles are just a few of the big events that the FCC mentioned as reasons to deal with possible drone threats from "criminals, hostile foreign actors, and terrorists." The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, or AUVSI, is pleased with the decision, according to a statement from Michael Robbins, president and CEO. He said it's time for the United States to develop its own drones as well as lessen its reliance on China.

Robbins cited Beijing's readiness to impose restrictions on vital supplies like rare earth magnets in order to further its strategic objectives. "Recent history underscores why the United States must increase domestic drone production and secure its supply chains." DJI expressed disappointment with the FCC's ruling. DJI said in a statement that "no information has been released regarding what information was used by the Executive Branch in reaching its determination, even though DJI was not singled out."

"Concerns regarding DJI's data security have not been supported by evidence and instead reflect protectionism, which goes against the principles of an open market," the company stated. Gene Robinson utilizes his fleet of nine DJI drones in Texas for forensic analysis and law enforcement training. He claimed that he and many others who have grown dependent on Chinese drones due to their adaptability, excellent performance, and reasonable costs would suffer from the new regulations.

However, he bemoaned the fact that the United States had outsourced the manufacturing to China and stated that he understood the choice. Robinson remarked, "We are paying the price now." There will be some growing pains before we return to the state of freedom. We must accept it and make sure it doesn't occur again. Arthur Erickson, the CEO and co-founder of Hylio, a drone manufacturer based in Texas, stated that the exit of DJI would provide American businesses like his much-needed space to expand. According to Erickson, new investments are coming in to assist him increase the manufacturing of spray drones, which farmers use to fertilize their fields and lower prices.

Jamie Larson

Senior Writer · Investigative Journalism

Jamie writes deep-dive reporting on technology, society and culture. Former editor at independent publications, Jamie focuses on clear storytelling and long-form investigations.

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