US Grounds Foreign Drones: FCC Adds Drones to National Security 'Covered List'

The skies are closing for foreign drone manufacturers in the United States. Effective today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned drones from non-US companies, adding them to a list of technologies deemed a threat to national security. This move effectively blocks Americans from purchasing or operating many of the world's most popular drones.

What is the 'Covered List'?

On December 24, 2025, the FCC officially added drones to its 'Covered List.' According to an FCC fact sheet, this list includes communications equipment and services "that are deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States." Drones now join a notorious roster that already includes Chinese telecom giants Huawei and ZTE, as well as Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky. The agency's rationale appears to center on the potential for these devices to capture and transmit sensitive data.

A Turbulent Outlook for the US Drone Market

This sweeping ban is set to cause significant disruption. The US consumer and commercial drone markets have been dominated by foreign companies, particularly from China. Industries from agriculture and real estate to filmmaking and emergency services will now have to find alternatives. While this decision could be a major boost for domestic US drone manufacturers, industry analysts suggest it could also lead to immediate challenges, including higher prices and fewer choices for consumers and businesses in the short term.