For years, Chinese-made drones, led by industry giant DJI, have dominated the skies across the United States. From private hobbyists to police departments and firefighters, these drones have become indispensable tools for aerial photography, infrastructure inspection, crop monitoring, and emergency response. However, a landmark decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) this week threatens to disrupt the market for Chinese drones in the U.S. entirely.

On Tuesday, the FCC announced it would place DJI and other foreign drone manufacturers on a so-called “Covered List,” effectively banning the import and sale of all new drone models and critical drone components deemed to pose “unacceptable risks to U.S. national security.”

While this ruling does not affect drones already in use or previously approved for sale, it significantly limits the future availability of next-generation foreign drones in the U.S. market. DJI, which controls approximately 70% of the global drone market according to Research and Markets, is the most affected. Other major Chinese drone makers, such as Autel Robotics, are also included in the restrictions.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr emphasized that the move is intended to protect U.S. airspace without disrupting the ongoing use of existing drones. “We do so through an action today that does not disrupt the ongoing use or purchase of previously authorized drones and with appropriate avenues for excluding drones that do not pose a risk,” Carr said in a statement.

The FCC ruling could have wide-reaching implications for both professional and recreational drone users in the U.S. Drones are now standard tools in sectors like:

For many businesses, the ban may slow adoption of advanced drone technologies as domestic manufacturers ramp up production to fill the gap left by Chinese suppliers. DJI has expressed disappointment, noting that concerns over data security remain unsubstantiated.

“We stand ready to work with U.S. authorities to provide transparency and ensure a thorough review of our products,” said Adam Welsh, DJI’s Head of Global Policy.

The FCC’s move comes amid a series of U.S. government actions aimed at limiting foreign control over critical technology. In June 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order designed to accelerate domestic drone production and commercialization, emphasizing the need to reduce reliance on foreign technologies.

Additionally, the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act mandated a comprehensive security review of equipment produced by DJI, Autel, and other foreign drone makers. Although DJI had cooperated with U.S. officials and welcomed scrutiny, the FCC’s listing was based on determinations by an interagency White House committee, which cited risks such as:

Despite DJI’s objections, the FCC maintains that national security concerns outweigh commercial interests.

The FCC listing has drawn criticism from Beijing. Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, called the action “discriminatory”, urging Washington to provide a fair, non-discriminatory environment for Chinese companies.

This is not the first time Chinese technology companies have faced U.S. scrutiny. Other firms, including Huawei and ZTE, are already on the FCC’s Covered List due to similar national security concerns.

Concerns over Chinese drones are longstanding. Some key events include:

This history highlights persistent U.S. security concerns surrounding foreign drones, even as the technology becomes increasingly integral to civilian and commercial operations.

For U.S. drone enthusiasts, professionals, and public agencies, the FCC ban signals a shift toward domestic drone production. While existing Chinese-made drones remain legal, consumers and businesses looking for the latest technology may face limited choices.

For DJI and other affected manufacturers, the ruling could mean slowed growth in the U.S. market and renewed scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators. Analysts predict that this will accelerate investment in domestic drone startups and may lead to new innovations in drone cybersecurity, data privacy, and autonomous operation.

As drone technology becomes more critical for industries ranging from agriculture to emergency services, balancing national security concerns with technological innovation will remain a central challenge for U.S. policymakers.