In a significant escalation of its technological security measures, the United States has moved to block new models of popular Chinese-made drones from its market. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has placed leading drone manufacturers, including the world's largest, DJI, on a list of entities deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to national security.
FCC Decision Halts Market Access for New Drones
The FCC's action, announced on Tuesday 23 December 2025, adds China's DJI, Autel, and other foreign-made drones and components to its official "Covered List." This designation effectively prevents these companies from securing the mandatory FCC approval required to import or sell new drone models or critical components in the United States. The decision marks a concrete step in Washington's ongoing campaign to curb reliance on Chinese drone technology, following a Commerce Department announcement in September outlining plans to restrict such imports.
Officials clarified that the ruling does not affect drones already purchased or previously authorised models. The FCC stated that consumers can continue to legally use any drones they own. However, the future pipeline of new products from these manufacturers into the US is now severed.
Industry and Diplomatic Repercussions
The move has drawn sharp criticism from the affected companies and the Chinese government. DJI, which sells more than half of all commercial drones in the US, expressed disappointment. The company noted that while it was not singled out, no specific information had been provided to justify the determination. DJI warned that over 80% of the 1,800+ state and local law enforcement and emergency response agencies using its technology would be at immediate risk if denied access to cost-effective drones.
In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian condemned the US for its "overly broad interpretation" of national security and for creating "discriminatory" lists. He urged Washington to correct its practices and ensure a fair environment for Chinese firms.
Security Concerns and Political Backing
The FCC's decision followed a White House-convened interagency review, the results of which were received on Sunday. The review concluded that imported drones and components present security risks due to threats from unauthorised surveillance, sensitive data exfiltration, and supply chain vulnerabilities. The Pentagon retains the authority to later determine that specific drones do not pose risks and remove them from restrictions.
The action has strong political backing in Washington. Sebastian Gorka, senior director of counterterrorism at the National Security Council, stated the move was part of ensuring drones are made in America, calling them a large part of the nation's future security. Republican Representative Rick Crawford praised the decision, labelling the widespread use of Chinese-made drones a "counterintelligence nightmare."
This development follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in June aimed at reducing US reliance on Chinese drone companies. The FCC and Trump have also cited concerns about drone misuse at major upcoming events like the Olympics and the World Cup. The legal battle continues, with Chinese manufacturer Hikvision recently filing a lawsuit challenging the FCC's authority under the Covered List rules.
