In a move grounded in national security concerns, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a ban on the sale of new foreign-made drones in the United States. This significant decision was unveiled on Monday, marking an important step in safeguarding the nation’s security interests.

The FCC’s notice specifies that uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and their essential components manufactured in foreign countries have been added to a “covered list.” This categorization effectively prohibits these products from being sold or imported into the U.S., as they are deemed to pose a substantial threat to national security and the safety of American citizens. It is important to note that this order does not impact technology already sold within the country.

Highlighting the urgency of this measure, the FCC emphasized the increasing importance of protecting U.S. airspace. With the nation set to co-host major international events such as the FIFA Men’s World Cup in 2026 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028, alongside the ongoing threats from cartels, terrorist organizations, and foreign governments, allowing foreign-made UAS into the U.S. market could compromise the resilience of the domestic UAS industry. The commission warned that such imports could elevate risks to national airspace and potentially facilitate large-scale attacks during crowded events.

This decision aligns with Section 1709 of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which mandates a thorough analysis of the national security risks associated with specific technologies. This includes those offered by DJI, a prominent Chinese company that dominates the global drone market. The FCC’s action underscores the government’s commitment to addressing vulnerabilities that could be exploited against the nation.

The decision is in accordance with Section 1709 of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which called for an analysis of the national security risks posed by certain technologies, including those sold by DJI — a Chinese company that holds a majority of the drone industry’s market share. 

A spokesperson for DJI told The Hill that it is “disappointed” by the FCC’s decision, and that “no information has been released regarding what information was used” in adding its drones and component parts to the covered list. 

“As the industry leader, DJI has advocated for an open, competitive market that benefits all U.S. consumers and commercial users, and will continue to do so,” the spokesperson added. “DJI products are among the safest and most secure on the market, supported by years of reviews conducted by U.S. government agencies and independent third parties.”

The Hill has also reached out to the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. for comment on the notice. 

The decision garnered praise from the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, which said on the social platform X that it “strongly supports” the FCC’s move. 

The committee added that the ban “will help safeguard our national security, protect the American people, and wind down the unacceptable national security threat posed by DJI and other Chinese drones.”