Department of Defense submission to FCC reinforces concerns over foreign-made drone technology
A newly filed memorandum from the U.S. Department of Defense urges the Federal Communications Commission to reject a petition from DJI seeking reconsideration of its placement on the FCC’s Covered List. The filing provides one of the most direct recent statements from the Pentagon on foreign-made drone systems and their potential security implications.
The memorandum was submitted through the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) as part of the agency’s ongoing review of DJI’s challenge. It outlines the Department of Defense’s position that certain foreign-manufactured unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) present risks to U.S. national security and public safety.
DoD: Foreign UAS Pose “Unacceptable Risk”
In the filing, the Department of Defense states that specific foreign-made drone technologies pose what it describes as an “unacceptable risk” to the United States. The memo supports the FCC’s earlier decision to include DJI and foreign drones and components on its Covered List, which restricts the use of certain communications equipment deemed to present national security concerns.
The DoD’s argument centers on the potential for sensitive data exposure, as well as broader concerns about supply chain security and foreign influence. While much of the underlying analysis remains classified, the memo indicates that both classified and unclassified intelligence informed the government’s position.
The filing also references a classified annex submitted to Congress in early April 2026. That annex reportedly contains additional supporting evidence related to the security assessment of foreign drone systems.
Reinforcing the FCC’s Covered List Authority
The memo supports the FCC’s authority to maintain and enforce the Covered List under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act. By opposing DJI’s petition for reconsideration, the Department of Defense is effectively backing the FCC’s existing determination that the company’s products fall within the scope of national security restrictions.
The filing does not introduce new regulatory measures. Instead, it reinforces the existing framework and argues against revisiting prior determinations.
This position aligns with broader U.S. government efforts to evaluate and restrict certain foreign technologies in critical infrastructure and communications systems.
What Comes Next
The FCC will review the full record, including the Department of Defense memorandum, before making a final determination on DJI’s petition. The outcome could have implications not only for DJI, but also for how federal agencies approach foreign-made drone technology more broadly.
While the memo does not itself establish new policy, it provides a clear signal of the Pentagon’s current position—and underscores the role of national security considerations in shaping the future of the U.S. drone market.
The Department of Defense filing offers a rare, direct window into how national security agencies are framing the risks associated with foreign drone technology. For commercial operators, public safety agencies, and manufacturers, the outcome of this proceeding may help define the regulatory environment for years to come.
Read more:
- DJI Seeks Court Review as FCC Covered List Expansion Reshapes U.S. Drone Market
- FCC Updates Covered List, Introduces First Conditional Approvals for Drone Systems
- Not Just DJI: How the FCC’s Foreign Drone Rule Changes the Market
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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I fail to see how my Mini 4 Pro and Air 3S present national security issues. If I want to see the layout of a nuclear powerplant, I use Google Maps. Try it. Use the search terms: “Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant” You will get a great arial photo of the facility. Want an arial of a military base? Try Google Maps. Use the search terms: “Luke Air Force Base.” Great arial photo of the layout of the base. I follow the rules. I don’t fly over critical infrastructure. If China wants a copy of my Hyperlapse of an Arizona sunset, they can have it. The whole DJI thing as it relates to consumer drones is harmful to the interests of the United States. Most of the current Part 107 certificate holders followed my path. I was a recreational pilot first. The profit margins in consumer drones is not high enough justify jumping into the market. Ask Skydio’s management why they have not tried to return to the consumer market. DJI’s consumer drones should be allowed into the United States so that the recreational pipeline for the development of professional pilots does not dry up.