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

Verified

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 blacklisted major Chinese drone manufacturers like DJI and Autel Robotics, banning the sale of new products and components in the U.S. due to national security concerns.
U.S. recreational and commercial drone pilots, heavily reliant on Chinese drones, anticipate significant negative impacts, including potential business failures, though existing drones remain unaffected.
The ban is part of a years-long effort stemming from allegations of data security risks and Chinese government ties, which DJI vehemently denies.
The U.S. aims to bolster its domestic drone industry through this ban, with government initiatives and executive orders encouraging American manufacturers to fill the market gap.

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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.