December 23, 2025
2 min reading
Add us on GoogleAdd science
FCC blocks new foreign-made drones, citing national security risks
The United States’ decision to ban the sale of new foreign-made drones will have far broader implications than its effect on pilots’ ability to access new models and parts.
Drones do more than ruin a day at the park. Formerly known as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), they are an integral part of myriad industries, from real estate and agriculture to mapping and disaster engineering. The Federal Communication Commission’s decision to modify which drones can be sold in the United States goes well beyond the recreational use of these devices.
On December 22, the FCC added products from Chinese drone makers DJI and Autel Robotics, as well as other foreign-made drones and critical components, to its “covered list,” a compilation of communications technologies considered a national security risk. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said in a recent announcement that the goal was to “unleash American drone dominance.” In effect, this means that new models of these drones cannot be imported or sold in the United States.
The FCC’s decision is the latest action by the federal government to restrict Chinese technologies. Like telecommunications and video surveillance equipment before them, drones have raised concerns among U.S. officials about possible attacks, disruptions and surveillance. Indeed, the FCC announcement cites the 2026 FIFA World Cup, part of which will take place in the United States, and the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations as grounds for preemptive action.
On supporting science journalism
If you enjoy this article, please consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscription. By purchasing a subscription, you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
If you already own a foreign-made drone, you can keep it and U.S. retailers can sell pre-approved models. But because the FCC ruling covers critical components, it could affect drone maintenance and repair as batteries, controllers and other parts become harder to obtain. The ban sparked an outcry among the country’s nearly 500,000 certified professional drone pilots: a Pilot Institute survey of 8,000 pilots, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, found that about 43% believe the ban will have an “extremely negative” or “potentially negative” impact on their business. Some had already started stockpiling drones and spare parts in anticipation of the judgment.
Even if you’ve never flown a drone, these planes affect your life. Chances are your city operates at least one UAS to conduct inspections or assist with emergency responses – and it’s likely that device was manufactured overseas. DJI, based in Shenzhen, China, alone accounts for 70 to 90 percent of the commercial, local government and hobbyist market in the United States, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Spexi, a Vancouver-based geospatial data company, analyzes regions using an independent network of paid pilots; these pilots mainly fly DJI drones. “We rely on DJI Minis” to get the job done, says CEO Bill Lakeland. “Now we’re looking to diversify.” But U.S.-made drones are often more expensive than their foreign-made counterparts; Spexi plans to build its own hardware.
It’s time to defend science
If you enjoyed this article, I would like to ask for your support. Scientific American has been defending science and industry for 180 years, and we are currently experiencing perhaps the most critical moment in these two centuries of history.
I was a Scientific American subscriber since the age of 12, and it helped shape the way I see the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of respect for our vast and magnificent universe. I hope this is the case for you too.
If you subscribe to Scientific Americanyou help ensure our coverage centers on meaningful research and discoveries; that we have the resources to account for decisions that threaten laboratories across the United States; and that we support budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.
In exchange, you receive essential information, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, newsletters not to be missed, unmissable videos, stimulating games and the best writings and reports from the scientific world. You can even offer a subscription to someone.
There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you will support us in this mission.
