In the US, about 98% of comments opposed or raised concerns over restrictions on foreign drones
In the United States, most participants in a public consultation spoke out against a proposal by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to restrict the further import and marketing of previously approved foreign-made drones that may meet a new definition of “military-grade” equipment. This was reported by the South China Morning Post.
Greg Reverdiau, founder of the Pilot Institute training platform, which helps aviators obtain licenses, analyzed more than 3,800 comments submitted to the FCC. By his estimate, approximately 98% of the comments either opposed the initiative or raised concerns about it.
Objections from police and farmers
The six-week comment submission period ended in early September. Law enforcement agencies, farmers, utility companies and other commercial drone operators called for the rule to be amended, narrowed or delayed, warning of potentially significant consequences for their work.
The main objections concern the broad definition of “military-grade” equipment. It includes, among other things, drones with thermal imagers and LiDAR. These technologies are used not only in the military sphere but also for search and rescue, industrial facility inspections, mapping and agriculture.
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The National Sheriffs’ Association, which represents more than 3,000 county law enforcement officers, asked the FCC to clarify the scope of the rule and improve access to alternative equipment. The organization also called for an exemption for state, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement agencies if suitable alternatives are unavailable. The association separately raised concerns about the proposed 25 kg weight threshold, which may be important for search-and-rescue operations across large areas.
Objections from manufacturers and supporters’ position
The United States is seeking to reduce its dependence on Chinese drone technology and strengthen domestic supply chains. Chinese companies, including DJI, have long dominated the US and global commercial drone markets. Some popular DJI models used by US operators cost from several hundred to $1,500, while comparable alternatives can be significantly more expensive and harder to obtain.
In December 2025, the FCC added foreign-made unmanned aircraft systems and critical components to the Covered List. This prevented new models from obtaining FCC approval, which is usually required to import, market or sell electronic devices in the United States, but allowed the use of already approved drones. The new proposal provides for restrictions on the further import and marketing of some such models.
DJI and Autel Robotics said the FCC lacks the legal authority to impose the restrictions. DJI is challenging the commission’s decision in court and stated in its filing that inclusion on the Covered List will cost the company $1.5 billion annually. At the same time, the Foundation for Defence of Democracies think tank supported the initiative, stating that foreign drones with advanced sensors, large payloads, resilient communications or autonomous functions may pose a distinct national security risk.
