U.S. FCC proposes ban on imports of Chinese military-grade drones

The Federal Communications Commission announced a proposed rule that would prohibit the import, marketing and sale of foreign‑produced military‑grade drones possessing swarming capabilities or infrared thermal‑imaging sensors. The proposal mainly targets Chinese manufacturers such as DJI and Autel Robotics. Exemptions for components and drones not made in China are extended until January 2028, and the ban would apply only to future imports, not to drones already owned by users or those purchased for federal government use. The FCC opened a 30‑day public comment period and indicated the restrictions could evolve to cover additional categories, including LiDAR‑equipped, aerosol‑dispensing and heavy‑weight drones. Parallel FCC actions include a retroactive ban on disguised DJI products sold by front‑company distributors, and the agency is reviewing the removal of grantee codes for several firms. DJI has filed a lawsuit challenging the earlier import restrictions. The move reflects a broader U.S. effort under the Trump administration to reduce reliance on Chinese technology perceived as a national‑security risk.