The Federal Communications Commission has outlawed the sales of foreign drones and critical drone components following an interagency assessment highlighting their threat to national security, reports SiliconANGLE.
Authorization from the Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security will be required for foreign drone makers looking to continue equipment sales in the U.S., according to the FCC, which noted that already purchased foreign-made drones are not affected by the rule.
Such drone import restrictions, which will most heavily impact Chinese manufacturer SZ DJI Technology, or DJI, have been hailed by U.S. drone trade group AUVSI, which includes drone startup Skydio Inc. among its members.
"By prioritizing trusted technology and resilient supply chains, the FCC's action will accelerate innovation, enhance system security, and ensure the U.S. drone industry expands rather than remaining under foreign control," said AUVSI Chair Michael Robbins.
Authorization from the Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security will be required for foreign drone makers looking to continue equipment sales in the U.S., according to the FCC, which noted that already purchased foreign-made drones are not affected by the rule.
Such drone import restrictions, which will most heavily impact Chinese manufacturer SZ DJI Technology, or DJI, have been hailed by U.S. drone trade group AUVSI, which includes drone startup Skydio Inc. among its members.
"By prioritizing trusted technology and resilient supply chains, the FCC's action will accelerate innovation, enhance system security, and ensure the U.S. drone industry expands rather than remaining under foreign control," said AUVSI Chair Michael Robbins.
