On Monday, the Trump administration’s Federal Communications Commission banned the distribution of all new foreign-made drone models in the United States, citing “national security concerns.” Americans who already own older foreign models of drones will still be able to use the products, the government said.
in Fact sheet Published Monday, the FCC claimed that “criminals, hostile foreign actors, and terrorists” could use drones to “present new and dangerous threats to our homeland.” As a result, the agency said it updated its data Covered list — a list of products that are “perceived to pose an unacceptable risk to the national security” of the country — to include all “critical components of drones and drones produced abroad.”
Brendan Carr, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, said Monday that he approved the policy. “I welcome the executive branch’s decision on national security, and I am pleased that the FCC has now added foreign drones and related components, which pose an unacceptable risk to national security, to the FCC’s covered list,” Carr said. “Following President Trump’s leadership, the FCC will work closely with U.S. drone makers to unleash America’s drone dominance.”
It’s clear that the new rule will affect many different companies, but it is a major blow against Chinese drone maker DJI, which is currently the industry leader. Dominant player In drone sales globally. In fact, DJI is one of the Most popular drone brands For American consumers.
When contacted by TechCrunch for comment, DJI said it disagreed with the decision. “DJI is disappointed by the FCC’s action today to add foreign-made drones to the covered list. While DJI was not selected, no information has been released regarding the information the Executive used in reaching its decision.”
The company, which said it remains committed to the US market, continued: “As the industry leader, DJI has advocated for an open and competitive market that benefits all American consumers and commercial users, and will continue to do so. DJI products are among the safest and most secure on the market, backed by years of reviews conducted by US government agencies and independent third parties.”
Throughout his multiple presidential administrations, Trump has done this repeatedly I played hardball With Chinese companies. His administration laid the groundwork for a new drone ban Executive order Passed in June that sought to Boost production American-made drones, thus fostering a “strong and secure domestic drone sector,” while securing “the U.S. drone supply chain against foreign control or exploitation.”
