FCC Bans Foreign-Made Drones and Key Parts Over U.S. National Security Risks

On 23 December 2025, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission announced a ban on all drones and critical components manufactured in foreign countries, citing national security concerns. The FCC has added UAS and UAS critical components produced abroad to its Covered List, alongside all communications and video surveillance equipment under the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act.

The agency noted that a White House convened interagency review determined such foreign-made UAS pose unacceptable risks to the United States and its people. The move aims to safeguard American airspace ahead of mass gatherings, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, with the expectation that UAS and related parts be produced in the United States.

Exemptions exist if the DHS determines a specific drone or component does not pose risks, and the ban does not affect consumers’ ability to use drones already purchased or retailers selling government-approved models. According to the FCC, this will reduce the risk of direct UAS attacks, unauthorized surveillance, and data exfiltration.