US regulator proposes ban on imports of military-grade drones from China
The US Federal Communications Commission has proposed new rules that would block imports of advanced drones with swarm capabilities and infrared sensors, in a move aimed mainly at Chinese manufacturers. The proposal, announced on Tuesday, is part of a wider effort to tighten controls on foreign-made surveillance technology. Officials said the measures are intended to protect national security and secure the drone supply chain.
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Under the plan, drones equipped for swarming operations or high-resolution thermal imaging would be barred from entry. The FCC also extended exemptions for components made outside China until January 2028, a step that appears designed to reduce immediate disruption for domestic users. The proposal specifically affects manufacturers such as DJI and Autel Robotics, which are among the best-known Chinese drone makers named in the supporting material.
The regulator said the restrictions are needed to prevent sensitive data from being accessed by foreign states. The move follows earlier US action against Chinese telecommunications and video surveillance equipment, including restrictions imposed in 2022 on brands such as Huawei and ZTE. Those earlier measures were justified on national security grounds, and the latest proposal reflects a similar approach to drone technology.
The decision comes amid a broader hardening of Washington's stance toward Chinese technology. It also follows recent political tensions, including accusations by the US president that China interfered in the 2020 US election. While the current proposal is focused on drones, it sits within a longer-running debate in the US over whether foreign-made communications and surveillance systems can pose risks to critical infrastructure.
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The FCC's action is significant because drones are used in both commercial and security settings, and advanced models can collect imagery and other data at scale. By targeting swarm-capable systems and thermal-imaging equipment, the regulator is focusing on features that have clear military and intelligence value. The extended exemption period suggests officials are trying to balance security concerns with supply-chain realities for US users.
What remains unclear is how quickly the proposed rules could be finalised and what impact they would have on existing imports and users. It is also not yet clear whether the measures will face legal or industry challenges. The next stage will be whether the FCC turns the proposal into binding restrictions and how Chinese manufacturers respond.
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