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3d ago

FCC Moves to Block Imports of Swarm-Capable and Infrared Military-Grade Drones

Officials say the action aims to protect U.S. networks and data from foreign surveillance risks.

U.S. Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr speaks during an open meeting of the FCC in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 22, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr speaks next to FCC Commissioners Anna Gomez and Olivia Trusty during an open meeting of the FCC in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 22, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr speaks during a press conference, following an open meeting of the FCC, in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 22, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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Overview

  • The FCC on Tuesday issued a tentative order to prohibit imports of certain foreign-produced military-grade drones, focusing on swarm-capable systems and those with high-resolution infrared thermal sensors.
  • The measure is not final and will be open for public comment for 30 days before the commission considers a final order.
  • The agency extended earlier exemptions for some foreign-made drones and components through January 2028 and said the ban would not apply to drones already purchased or those procured by the federal government.
  • The proposal explicitly targets major foreign manufacturers cited in reporting, including China-based DJI and Autel Robotics, and follows legal and market pushback such as DJI’s February lawsuit challenging prior FCC restrictions.
  • The FCC framed the move as part of a wider effort to secure the drone supply chain, limit foreign access to sensitive data, and promote U.S. drone production while preserving short-term operations and spectrum planning for civilian users.