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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially updated its Covered List to include Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and critical components produced in foreign countries.
This decision follows a specific determination from a White House-convened interagency body, which concluded that foreign-produced drones and their critical parts pose unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States and the safety of U.S. persons. The updated list includes equipment and services specified in Section 1709 of the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act.
Under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, the Commission updates the Covered List based on directions from national security authorities. Equipment placed on this list is prohibited from receiving FCC equipment authorization, which is a requirement for the importation, marketing, or sale of most wireless devices in the United States. By banning new authorizations for these devices, the federal government intends to prevent new foreign-produced drone models from entering the domestic market.
The move is part of a broader strategy to restore American airspace sovereignty and support the domestic drone industrial base. National security agencies highlighted concerns that foreign-made systems could be utilized for attacks, disruptions, unauthorized surveillance, and sensitive data exfiltration. Furthermore, officials noted that a heavy reliance on foreign devices undermines the resilience of the American drone industry.
Chairman Carr issued the following statement, “I welcome this Executive Branch national security determination, and I am pleased that the FCC has now added foreign drones and related components, which pose an unacceptable national security risk, to the FCC’s Covered List. Following President Trump’s leadership, the FCC will work closely with U.S. drone makers to unleash American drone dominance.”
The restrictions apply specifically to new device models on a going-forward basis. The decision does not impact the ongoing use of previously purchased or acquired drones, nor does it prevent retailers from selling or marketing device models that received FCC authorization earlier this year or in previous years.
These actions are viewed as critical safeguards as the United States prepares to host major upcoming events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, America250 celebrations, and the 2028 LA Summer Olympics. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency continues to encourage organizations to utilize the Covered List as a primary tool for risk management and regulatory compliance.
Read the FCC FACT SHEET issued December 22nd, 2025.
