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Last Update: 09/17/2026 at 10:00 PM EST
FCC Drone Restrictions Reach Approved Systems
Coverage from Toy Association, The Drone Girl, and others
U.
S. regulators are moving from blocking new foreign-made drone authorizations toward restricting previously approved products and rebranded equipment, while operators contest broad capability definitions and prepare for supply-chain disruption.
Key Articles3 of 100 articles
If you read one thing
FCC Rejects Extension Request on Proposed Drone RestrictionsIt provides the clearest official account of the FCC proposal, its capability categories, comment deadline, and treatment of existing drone owners.
The counter-case
DJI Showcases FCC-Targeted Drones at Las Vegas ExpoIt shows how the proposed capability rules could affect civilian inspection, mapping, delivery, and emergency-response systems while constraining repairs and replacements.
The evidence
DSPA Challenges FCC's DJI and Autel Drone Ban ApproachIts survey figures quantify the operational and financial disruption that replacing DJI-dependent fleets could create for public-safety and commercial operators.
Key Issues
Capability-based market restrictions
The FCC is considering barring future importation and marketing of previously authorized foreign-produced drones and components that meet broad capability criteria, including LiDAR, thermal imaging, agricultural spraying, docking, swarming, defense integration, and weight thresholds. Existing owners could continue using purchased equipment, but covered products could face a 180-day wind-down if the proposal is adopted.
Stable
Fleet continuity and parts exposure
The principal operational risk is not immediate grounding but deteriorating access to replacement aircraft, repair parts, accessories, and support for existing fleets. Import and marketing limits could turn repair queues into unusable fleets over two or three years and increase replacement costs for operators dependent on foreign-made systems.
Stable
Policy and legal contestation
The proposal faces strong opposition over FCC authority, economic and supply-chain effects, and definitions that may classify civilian public-safety, agricultural, inspection, and consumer systems as military-grade. Analysis of the submitted record found 98.6% of readable filings opposed the proposal as written, while DJI and other participants continue seeking narrower criteria and transition protections.
Strengthening
Key Numbers
55 pounds
takeoff weight threshold for one proposed UAS category
“The seven categories are: - UAS weighing 55 pounds or more at takeoff; - UAS capable of dispensing "economic poison" as defined under FAA rules; - UAS containing or integrating thermal imaging sensors; - UAS containing or integrating LiDAR sensors; - UAS docking stations; - UAS specially designed to incorporate a defense article; and - certain swarming or coordinated UAS systems.”
September 2, 2026
deadline for submitting comments
“The Federal Communications Commission has denied requests to extend the comment period on a proposal that could restrict the continued importation and marketing of certain previously authorized foreign-produced drones and drone components. Comments remain due September 2, 2026.”
180-day days
wind-down period after a final rule
“The proposal would prohibit continued importation and marketing of previously authorized foreign-made drones and components that meet the definition, with a 180-day wind-down after a final rule.”
seven
capability categories covered by the proposal
“It identifies seven categories: aircraft weighing at least 55 pounds at takeoff, economic-poison spraying, thermal imaging, LiDAR, docking stations, defense-article integration, and swarming.”
187 pounds
FlyCart 100 payload capacity
“The FlyCart 100 meets both the weight and LiDAR categories, with a listed maximum takeoff weight of 330 pounds and a payload capacity of 187 pounds.”
Contested Issue
Would the FCC's capability-based restrictions narrowly target defined high-risk systems or broadly capture ordinary civilian and commercial drones?
FCC materials describe restrictions focused on specified capability categories and preserve continued use of already purchased equipment. DJI, operators, and commentators argue that the same categories rely on common dual-use features and could therefore restrict civilian public-safety, agricultural, commercial, and consumer systems.
Defined high-risk categories
The proposal targets specified capability categories associated with military or national-security functions and would not immediately ground foreign drones that operators already own.
Broad civilian impact
Because the proposed categories include dual-use features such as LiDAR, thermal imaging, agricultural spraying, docking, and coordinated flight, the restrictions could classify and disrupt ordinary civilian, commercial, public-safety, and consumer drones.
Looking Back
134 Day Timeline
Apr 29
May 20
Jun 13
Jul 4
Jul 25
Aug 18
Sep 8
The Story So Far
No material change
New reporting quantifies strong opposition to the FCC proposal and reiterates concerns about its impact on civilian commercial equipment, but does not show a material change in the proposal, proceeding, or likely outcome.
Previously
The FCC is considering restrictions on previously authorized foreign-made drones and components with capabilities such as LiDAR, thermal imaging, agricultural dispensing, docking, defense integration, and coordinated flight. The proposal would generally preserve the ability of existing owners to operate purchased aircraft, but could limit future sales, imports, replacement parts, and support, creating uncertainty for DJI fleets and professional users. The outcome depends on public comments, the FCC’s legal authority, and the final scope of the rules.
History
09/11/2026
The story now includes strong empirical opposition to the FCC proposal and clearer evidence that it is reshaping procurement and domestic drone manufacturing. A narrow toy-drone exemption also indicates regulators are applying capability-based distinctions rather than imposing an origin-only ban.
09/03/2026
The update mainly confirms the existing regulatory-risk picture while sharpening its market-access and fleet-continuity implications. It also identifies DRONERESPONDERS and the Commercial Drone Alliance as named commenters seeking more time.
All Articles100 articles
Important
The Toy Association said a June 16 FCC announcement will amend Covered List policies to allow certification and U.S. market entry for qualifying toy drones.
6/16/2026 • Consumer & Recreational Drones • General
FCC launched a July 21, 2026 revocation proceeding against Odyssey Robot LLC over alleged false domestic manufacturing claims affecting drone FCC equipment authorizations.
7/24/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
UVT urged the FCC in a filing to limit DJI restrictions to verifiable evidence, warning that supply disruptions could affect U.S. public safety drone missions.
5/27/2026 • Market, Companies & Supply Chain • General
DJI told the FCC that Telecommunications Certification Bodies refuse to process DJI-related applications, delaying US availability of drone and non-drone products.
4/29/2026 • Market, Companies & Supply Chain • General
The Federal Communications Commission received 3,824 filings in the United States opposing a proposed foreign-made drone import and sales ban that users said threatened civilian operations.
9/9/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The Federal Communications Commission is accepting drone operator comments through September 2 in Washington, DC, on proposed restrictions affecting thermal imaging, LiDAR, docking stations, and other equipment.
9/1/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC denied August 2026 requests from DRONERESPONDERS and industry groups to extend the September 2 comment deadline for proposed foreign-drone restrictions in Washington, D.C.
8/31/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC public safety and engineering bureaus issued a U.S. public-comment notice on August 3, 2026, proposing restrictions on foreign-produced drones classified as military-grade.
8/22/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC proposed on August 3, 2026, in the United States, restricting sales of certain foreign-made LiDAR-equipped drones under Covered List notice DA 26-758.
8/9/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC opened public comment in 2026 on proposed restrictions to prevent Covered List-linked companies from continuing importing and marketing previously authorized drone-related equipment.
7/21/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
DJI drone models Air 4 and N610BS face U.S. barriers as the FCC Covered List, Section 1260H designation, and UFLPA shipment detentions restrict import and sale.
7/8/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC restrictions on foreign-manufactured drone components issued June 22, 2026 triggered procurement pauses and halted development timelines for companies and public safety agencies.
6/22/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC announced a narrow US import exemption for Chinese toy drones after a Pentagon finding, limiting eligible models to basic non-camera, non-connected devices.
6/17/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC announced June 15 that qualifying Chinese toy drones may be imported to the United States under strict weight, range, and sensor limits tied to national security determinations.
6/17/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
DJI submitted an OnDefend cybersecurity assessment to the FCC in 2025-2026 testing of DJI Air 3S and Matrice 4E, disputing Covered List security claims.
6/16/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
More than 3,000 commenters filed with the FCC after a DJI petition, as firefighters, police, and inspectors oppose proposed limits on DJI and Autel drone use.
5/28/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
DJI released an OnDefend cybersecurity assessment in 2026 covering Air 3S and Matrice 4E as DJI appealed its December 2025 FCC Covered List designation.
5/28/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
DJI released OnDefend security assessment results for DJI Air 3S and Matrice 4E during FCC December 2025 foreign drone ban reconsideration in the USA.
5/28/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
OnDefend conducted a five-month security assessment of DJI Air 3S and Matrice 4E and reported no evidence of covert transmissions or unauthorized access in U.S.-connected network activity.
5/28/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC Office of Engineering and Technology extended a foreign-made drone update waiver to January 1, 2029, covering already-authorized DJI and Autel drones on the Covered List.
5/27/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC announced May 26, 2026 conditional approvals by the Department of War granting Blueflite, Verity AG, and Air VEV exemptions from FCC Covered List restrictions through December 31, 2026.
5/27/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
Autel Robotics contests an FCC Covered List designation under the Secure Networks Act, arguing classified due process failures and asserting AES encrypted drone data handling.
5/19/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
Autel Robotics contested the FCC Covered List expansion into drones, arguing the FCC applied broad national security assumptions rather than company specific review.
5/19/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC extended a waiver in the US allowing Covered List DJI and Autel drones to receive firmware and software updates through January 1, 2029.
5/18/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC issued a May 15, 2026 notice describing Conditional Approval exemptions for foreign-produced drones, effective alongside Blue UAS Cleared List and Buy American pathways, ending after 2026.
5/18/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The Drone Service Provider's Alliance filed comments with the FCC during the foreign-made drone comment period, arguing that DJI and Autel risk depends on mission context and that blanket restrictions would disrupt US drone operations.
5/12/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
DJI and the Drone Advocacy Alliance are urging comments before May 11 while the FCC reconsiders DJI Covered List inclusion and the Ninth Circuit reviews related jurisdiction.
5/6/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
DJI requested reconsideration of the FCC Covered List expansion; public comments are due May 11, 2026, in a process affecting equipment authorization for foreign-made UAS in the U.S.
5/5/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
Interesting
Hylio and Central UAS Technologies expand U.S.-made agricultural spray drone production after an FCC foreign-drone authorization ruling.
7/1/2026 • Market, Companies & Supply Chain • General
The FCC is seeking comments until September 2 on a U.S. proposal to restrict sales of certain previously approved drones with military-grade capabilities.
8/10/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC proposed banning importation and marketing of products from multiple companies tied to suspected reshelled DJI drones and cameras, citing national security risk.
7/21/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC proposed on August 3, 2026, in the United States, restricting future imports and marketing of previously authorized foreign-made drones with specified dual-use capabilities.
8/11/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC proposed in the United States restricting future imports and sales of foreign-made LiDAR drones, including DJI models, with implementation possible in January 2027.
8/10/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC Enforcement Bureau began June investigations into Odyssey Robot drone and remote controller authorizations after Konrad Iturbe challenged US manufacturing claims.
7/22/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC Enforcement Bureau proposed $25,000 forfeitures against eight drone companies in the United States in 2025 for alleged failure to respond to LOIs tied to a December 22, 2025 Covered List expansion.
7/20/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC proposed $25,000 fines on July 10, 2026 against eight companies after missed May 2026 responses to Letters of Inquiry about Covered List-linked radio-frequency equipment.
7/14/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC loosened the December foreign-made drone sales ban in the United States in response to Department of Defense toy drone criteria and domestic swarm supply chain goals.
6/25/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC revised the Covered List on June 15, 2026 after the Department of War determined a narrowly defined foreign toy drone category poses no unacceptable national security risk.
6/17/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau announced a June 4, 2026 conditional Covered List exemption for Innovation First International's VEX AIR UAS through December 31, 2026.
6/9/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC is considering removing selected DJI drones from U.S. sales, with public comments open through September 2 in the United States.
8/9/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
William Marsiglio in Chesterfield, Virginia says DJI drones support wildfire response, missing person search, and flood zone mapping while FCC review considers Chinese technology restrictions.
6/26/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC will allow import of some new Chinese toy drones into the United States after a Pentagon-linked national security risk determination, using strict toy limits.
6/16/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC is considering broader restrictions on foreign-made military-grade drones and components after commercial operators, pilots, and public safety agencies submitted comments opposing the proposal in the United States.
9/8/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
Pilot Institute found that 3,770 of 3,824 readable submissions opposed the FCC proposal restricting certain foreign-produced drones and components in the United States.
9/4/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
DroneXL asked the Federal Communications Commission in 2026 to replace proposed foreign-made drone sales restrictions with security standards applying to all manufacturers.
9/2/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC proposed in July 2026 to restrict future US importation and marketing of foreign-made drones such as DJI systems matching capability-based categories, with the issue highlighted at Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas.
9/2/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC Covered List actions are forcing United States drone operators to manage longer repairs, equipment changes, and certification uncertainty while continuing to use previously authorized aircraft.
9/1/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC proposed in the United States to ban continued importation and marketing of certain foreign drone systems and components, including cameras, based on national security risk claims.
7/22/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC revoked Odyssey Robot's drone authorizations on August 11, 2026, in the United States after investigating allegedly false domestic-manufacturing claims.
8/12/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC revoked Odyssey Robot LLC authorizations for a drone and remote controller on August 11, 2026, after determining that the foreign-produced equipment was improperly certified in the United States.
8/12/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC proposed on August 3, 2026, in the United States, revoking sales authorization for previously approved foreign-made drones with LiDAR and other designated capabilities.
8/11/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The White House and Federal Communications Commission introduced 2026 measures in the United States that could raise consumer drone costs and restrict replacement hardware without grounding existing aircraft.
8/17/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC opened comments through September 2 in Washington on proposed restrictions affecting foreign-made drones with LiDAR, thermal imaging, docking, or swarming capabilities.
8/17/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC Office of Engineering and Technology extended software and firmware update permissions for covered foreign-made drones and routers until January 1, 2029.
5/9/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC is considering a 2026 US prohibition on importing and marketing previously authorized foreign-made drones with designated military-grade capabilities.
8/11/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC is considering United States restrictions on capability-defined DJI drone imports and sales, with public comments open until September 2.
8/10/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
DJI warned U.S. operators on July 21, 2026, that a Federal Communications Commission proposal could restrict future sales, imports, and components for civilian foreign-made drones.
8/10/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC is considering restrictions on DJI drones and related systems before comments close September 2 in the United States.
8/7/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC is considering broader U.S. restrictions on existing DJI drones and components in 2026 because specified capabilities pose alleged national security risks.
8/7/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC opened a 30-day public-comment process on import, marketing, and sales of equipment tied to nine covered UAS brands, with concerns about DJI-linked alternatives.
7/24/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC proposed import restrictions on Chinese-manufactured drone systems with swarming and infrared thermal imaging to protect US national security infrastructure.
7/22/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC tentatively approved restrictions to ban future imports of certain foreign military-grade drones, including swarm-enabled and infrared-equipped models, after a public comment period in the USA.
7/22/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC proposes category-wide import and sale restrictions for some foreign military-grade drones on the Covered List while extending Blue UAS and Buy America exemptions and updating Conditional Approval timelines.
7/22/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC proposed rules to block imports of advanced Chinese-linked drones with swarming and infrared thermal imaging capabilities, citing national security supply-chain risk.
7/22/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC requests public comment on banning importation and sale of certain foreign-produced military-grade drones on the Covered List, with comments due 30 days after Federal Register publication.
7/22/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC on June 16 expanded a narrow foreign toy-drone import exemption to 150-gram, line-of-sight, non-network, no-camera aircraft based on a Pentagon national security determination.
6/18/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC on June 17, 2026 will allow import of certain Chinese toy drones after a national security risk determination.
6/17/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
Blueflite in the United States added the Cobalt 461 cargo drone to the FAA Section 44807 Approved UAS List, after FAA review for advanced operations outside Part 107.
6/4/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
Sunflower Labs obtained an FAA waiver for one pilot to run up to six drones, while Fresno Police used a Skydio X10 and the FCC extended DJI and Autel firmware updates through 2029.
5/21/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
On May 8, the FCC extended Covered List waivers allowing limited software and firmware updates for foreign-produced drones, drone components, and consumer routers.
5/9/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty at SCSP AI+ Expo defended expanding the FCC Covered List for foreign drones and critical components on security and competitiveness grounds in the USA.
5/8/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
DJI challenged the FCC Covered List restricting foreign-made drones, while FCC ECFS appeals proceed with public comment until May 11.
5/5/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The Federal Communications Commission proposed restrictions on future foreign-drone imports and sales in the United States, prompting DJI and operators to prepare comments by September 2, 2026.
8/12/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC proposed on July 21, 2026, in the United States, restricting imports and sales of certain foreign-made drones and components under PS Docket 26-189.
8/10/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
On June 26, 2026, the FCC used 47 CFR § 2.939(e) to stop importing and marketing certain Covered List equipment, affecting future expectations for grandfathered DJI and Autel drones in the United States.
7/5/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The Toy Association reportedly secured an FCC carve-out allowing foreign-made toy drones in the United States while DJI and Autel new products remain restricted.
6/17/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
DJI and Autel petitions before the FCC require public ECFS comments for proceeding 26-22 before May 11, 2026, as the foreign drone Covered List restricts new imports to the USA.
5/6/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FBI Deputy Director Chris Raia warned that cellular-controlled FPV-style drones pose a U.S. security risk because counter-UAS systems built for local RF links may not work well.
6/26/2026 • Counter-Drone & Airspace Security • General
The Federal Communications Commission proposed restrictions in the United States that could limit foreign-made commercial drones and increase costs for small operators, inspectors, emergency teams, and journalists.
8/29/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC fined eight companies and set a July 20 deadline after Covered List rules barred radio equipment authorization for alleged foreign drone-related entities.
7/10/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC is seeking U.S. public comments by September 2, 2026, on restricting imports and sales of certified foreign-made drones, including civilian DJI systems.
8/7/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The Federal Communications Commission sought public comment on July 21 in the United States on restricting additional foreign-produced drones, including some agricultural spraying aircraft.
7/30/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC conditionally approved Exedy Globalparts Ayre CX and Parallel Flight Technologies Firefly in July 2026 while extending Covered List-linked exemptions for onshored, vetted drone models.
7/27/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr proposed expanding import and sale prohibitions on foreign military-grade drone systems after December 2025 restrictions, with public comments underway.
7/25/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC extended Covered List drone exemptions through January 1, 2028 and requested comments on potential non-federal import and sale restrictions for certain foreign military-grade drones.
7/22/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC seeks comment on whether to ban import, marketing, and sale of certain foreign-produced military-grade drones, with swarming and thermal imaging in scope.
7/22/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC Enforcement Bureau issued Notices of Apparent Liability proposing $25,000 fines for ten companies that failed to respond to Covered List Letters of Inquiry covering certain foreign drone and surveillance equipment.
7/16/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
On June 22, the FCC granted Department of War conditional approvals and exemptions through December 31, 2026 for Real-Time Robotics HERA and Ceres Air drone systems.
6/23/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC June 16 approved imports of certain Chinese toy drone models based on a Pentagon national security risk finding and strict toy-drone capability limits.
6/16/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC tentatively proposes banning imports of foreign swarming and infrared military drones after a 30-day comment period in the United States in 2026.
7/21/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC will allow previously approved Chinese drones and consumer routers to get software updates through end of 2028 while considering expanded Covered List restrictions.
5/12/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
Additional
The FCC proposed on July 21 in Washington restrictions on certain foreign-made drones, giving American manufacturers temporary competitive space without guaranteeing market success.
7/30/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC issued DA 26-758 on July 21, 2026 proposing foreign military-grade UAS import and marketing restrictions that would also cover synchronized drone light shows under a swarming definition.
7/23/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC proposed July 17, 2026 limits on importing and marketing covered drone and video surveillance equipment in PS Docket 26-184, with comments due after Federal Register publication.
7/17/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC proposed in Washington on July 31 restricting future imports and sales of foreign-built synchronized drone-show aircraft, with comments due September 2.
8/22/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
The FCC opened comments on August 3, 2026, in the United States on a proposal that could restrict imports and sales of previously authorized foreign-made drones.
8/8/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC issued a July 24 update adding Ayre CX and Firefly UAS and extending conditional exemptions beyond December 31, 2026 with onshoring and vetting requirements.
7/27/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC on July 21, 2026 extended Covered List drone exemptions through 2028 and proposed restricting imports and sales of foreign-made drones in multiple capability categories.
7/22/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC proposed DJI-linked equipment fines and a San Francisco Skydio drone feed exposure occurred while BRINC expanded drone-as-first-responder funding and Duke Health deployed AED delivery for 911 cardiac arrests in Clemmons.
7/18/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General
FCC updated June 4, 2026 drone Covered List exemptions, granting Innovation First International VEX AIR conditional approval through December 31, 2026.
6/9/2026 • Regulation, Safety & Airspace Integration • General