FCC Expands National Security Rules: What It Could Mean for DJI Drones

Potential Impacts on the U.S. Drone Market

*story updated 10/30 to include DJI’s statement.

The Federal Communications Commission voted unanimously on October 28, 2025 to expand its authority over telecommunications equipment considered a national security concern. The new rules allow the FCC to restrict previously authorized devices and component parts if they are produced by a company that is later added to the FCC Covered List. The list currently includes Chinese manufacturers such as Huawei and Hikvision. According to the FCC announcement, the goal is to prevent technology linked to foreign adversaries from entering U.S. networks in ways that could enable surveillance or disrupt communications infrastructure.

An article published in The Verge reports that the change gives the FCC power to block devices after they have already been cleared for sale, closing a gap that has existed for years in the agency’s regulatory framework. The Verge article also notes that this authority could apply to certain consumer electronics sold in the United States, including models from drone manufacturer DJI.

FCC Leadership and Congressional Reaction

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated that the action addresses vulnerabilities that remained even after restrictions on newly authorized Huawei and Hikvision models had been put in place. He said that component parts used in otherwise compliant devices have represented a potential pathway for continued risk to U.S. networks.

Commissioner Olivia Trusty said the updated rules reflect the need to protect communications systems at every point in the supply chain. As devices become more modular, she said, security concerns may arise from individual transmitters or modules rather than the final assembled product.

How the FCC Decision Connects to the Drone Ecosystem

Drones that operate in regulated spectrum and rely on wireless transmission fall under the FCC’s equipment oversight. Manufacturers must receive authorization for radio transmitters used in drone control systems, video downlinks and other communication functions. The current National Defense Authorization Act requires a security review of platforms from Chinese manufacturers, including DJI. If such a review is not completed by a statutory deadline – 2 months away – those manufacturers could be added to the Covered List, which would prevent FCC authorization for new models.

That potential scenario is now more significant because the FCC has formalized its ability to take action not only on future equipment, but also on devices already authorized. This adds another factor into drone procurement planning for public safety agencies, utilities, and commercial operators that rely heavily on platforms from Chinese suppliers. Industry observers have noted that while existing drones are not automatically grounded, regulatory uncertainty could influence procurement decisions given the long operational life of many commercial drone fleets.

DJI’s Response

The world’s largest drone manufacturer has been consistent in their response. Adam Welsh, Head of Global Policy at DJI, issued a statement in response:

DJI is not included on the FCC’s Covered List, so this change to the rules does not currently apply to DJI. However, under the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a national security agency must complete a risk assessment of DJI drones by December 23, 2025. If that assessment is not completed by the deadline, DJI and another Chinese drone manufacturer would automatically be added to the FCC’s Covered List, without any evidence of wrongdoing or the right to appeal.

DJI has repeatedly expressed its readiness to take part in a transparent, timely, and fair audit through official channels. More than ten months have now passed with no sign that the process has begun. As the deadline approaches, we urge the U.S. government to start the mandated review or grant an extension to ensure a fair, evidence-based process that protects American jobs, safety, and innovation.

The U.S. government has every right to strengthen national security measures, but this must go hand in hand with due process, fairness, and transparency.

What Drone Stakeholders Should Monitor

As the rule moves into the implementation stage, federal agencies will determine how and when to apply the new authority. Drone manufacturers, public safety agencies, and commercial operators may want to track several issues that could shape future availability of aircraft and communications components in the U.S. market.

• Whether major drone manufacturers are added to or removed from the FCC Covered List

• Timing and results of national security reviews mandated in legislation such as the NDAA

• Any future FCC determinations that apply the new authority to previously authorized wireless components within drones

• Guidance to public safety agencies and commercial operators regarding continued operation and importation of affected models

• Availability of domestic or alternative platforms if regulatory action restricts future imports

Next Steps

The FCC also launched a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking additional input on the treatment of device components and on compliance enforcement. The agency said protecting communications infrastructure requires policies that adapt to changing technology and supply chain sources.

For the drone industry, this development adds to a broader regulatory landscape in which multiple agencies are considering national security concerns around imported technology. As decisions continue through 2025 and into 2026, operators and manufacturers are watching closely to understand how these actions may affect existing fleets and future availability of drone platforms in the U.S. market.

Read more:

• FCC to Vote on New Safeguards: Could Existing Models of DJI Drones Be Affected?
• DJI Appeals U.S. Court Decision Upholding Pentagon Designation
• NDAA FY25: Key Takeaways for the Drone Industry