Key facts
- The FCC has tentatively decided to ban imports of certain military-grade drones.
- The proposed ban includes swarming drones and those with infrared technology.
- Exemptions for non-Chinese drones and components will be extended until January 2028.
- The ban would not apply to drones purchased by the federal government or non-military grade drones.
- The FCC cited national security risks posed by swarm-enabled drones.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has tentatively decided to ban the import of certain foreign-produced military-grade drones, including those with swarming capabilities and infrared technology. This proposed rule, which will be open for public comment for 30 days, aims to mitigate national security risks.
The FCC had previously implemented a ban on all new foreign drone imports in December. However, it has since issued exemptions for some drones and components not manufactured in China, extending these until January 2028. The new prohibition would specifically target military-grade systems, with exclusions for drones purchased by the federal government and non-military grade models.
In its statement, the FCC highlighted that swarm-enabled drones can pose significant risks to public safety and national security by overwhelming defenses and enabling persistent surveillance. The decision, if finalized, would not impact the continued use of drones already purchased.
China-based DJI, the world's largest drone manufacturer and a significant player in the U.S. commercial drone market, has previously challenged the FCC's import ban. Many U.S. lawmakers have expressed concerns about the national security implications of Chinese-made drones. The Trump administration had previously intensified scrutiny on Chinese technology imports.