FCC Restricts New Foreign Drone Entries: China Responds

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has decided to prohibit the entrance of new foreign-manufactured drones into the market, significantly impacting drones produced by Chinese companies such as DJI and Autel.

This announcement was made following legislative moves by Congress the previous year, which were driven by concerns over national security presented by these foreign drones. Chinese-made drones play a substantial role in various American industries, including agriculture, surveying, law enforcement, and media production.

Legislation warned against allowing these two prominent Chinese manufacturers to continue selling their drones in the U.S., pending a security review scheduled to conclude by December 23.

The FCC revealed that the investigation concluded drones and their essential components manufactured overseas posed significant security threats to the United States and the safety of its citizens. However, specific exemptions might be considered if military or homeland security officials assess minimal risk from certain equipment.

In light of upcoming significant events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, the FCC emphasized the need to mitigate risks from possible hostile drone activities.

Michael Robbins, leader of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, expressed support for this decision, advocating for the U.S. to decrease its dependency on Chinese technology and bolster its domestic drone manufacturing capabilities.

Robbins highlighted that recent global tensions underline the necessity for the United States to enhance local production and secure supply chains, particularly referencing China's control over crucial resources like rare-earth magnets.

A representative from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lin Jian, criticized the U.S.'s actions, describing them as unfair and urging the American government to amend its approach and provide equitable opportunities for Chinese businesses.

DJI expressed dissatisfaction with the FCC's ruling, stating there was no public disclosure of the information influencing the federal conclusion. They argued that concerns over DJI’s data security were unfounded and likely driven by economic protectionism counter to open trade principles.

Gene Robinson, who operates a range of DJI drones for law enforcement training and investigative tasks in Texas, expressed concerns about the negative impact of these restrictions on his operations. Despite recognizing the need for increased American manufacturing independence, he noted it would require a period of adjustment and coping.

Conversely, Arthur Erickson, CEO of Hylio, a domestic drone manufacturer also based in Texas, views the situation as an opportunity for growth, given DJI's market exit. With increased investment, Erickson aims to enhance production of agricultural drones and lower costs.

However, Erickson criticized the broad application of the ban, describing it as overly expansive due to its impact on any foreign-made components, possibly entangling global allies within its reach.