Drone Pilots Fear Worst After Foreign Equipment Ban

Per the Pilot Institute, nearly half of U.S. drone pilots anticipate negative impacts to their operations.

Jack Daleo

Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

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Edited By:

Zach Vasile

DJI drones are widespread among U.S. hobbyists and law enforcement and public safety agencies. [Credit: DJI]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. FCC has banned the sale of new Chinese-made drones, including those from DJI and Autel Robotics, by adding them to a federal blacklist due to national security concerns.
The decision is expected to have a significant negative impact on U.S. recreational and commercial drone pilots, with many anticipating severe business disruptions or closure.
While existing drones are not directly affected, the ban includes components like batteries and cameras, raising concerns about the long-term maintenance and upgrading of current equipment.
This move is part of a years-long effort to restrict Chinese drone market share and aims to stimulate domestic drone manufacturing, supported by government initiatives and executive orders.

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The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Monday made a decision that has seismic implications for U.S. recreational and commercial drone pilots.

The FCC added drones and UAS components manufactured by China’s DJI, Autel Robotics, and other foreign companies to its Covered List—a federal blacklist that effectively bans the sale of new products in the U.S. The move is the culmination of a yearslong effort to restrict the market share of DJI, in particular, which in 2020 was estimated to be as high as 77 and 90 percent, respectively, among U.S. hobbyists and public safety agencies.