FCC SEEKS TO BAN PREVIOUSLY APPROVED DJI DRONES FROM US MARKET

The Federal Communications Commission is proposing to retroactively prohibit the sale of several DJI drone models that it previously approved, including the Air 3S, Avata 360, Mini 5 Pro and Mavic 3T. The proposal targets drones equipped with LiDAR sensing, thermal imaging, aerosol dispensing capabilities, docking stations, and models weighing over 55 pounds. The FCC is also seeking to restrict drones capable of swarming and those that can integrate defence articles. Drones already purchased by consumers would not be confiscated, but manufacturers would be barred from selling additional units. The public comment period on the proposal runs until 2 September.

The FCC's action follows its December 2025 decision to add foreign-made drones and their critical components to its Covered List of communications equipment deemed to pose unacceptable national security risks. That initial ban applied only to new models; existing approved drones could continue to be sold. Last month, the FCC expanded the ban to include products from companies suspected of rebranding DJI equipment. The agency characterises the targeted drones as having "military capability" or posing "particular national security risks", though it has not published a detailed security audit supporting these designations.

DJI has publicly opposed the proposal, describing it as a "total reversal" of the FCC's previous position. The company argues that the ban affects safety agencies, small businesses and farmers who rely on DJI equipment for legitimate purposes including search and rescue and agricultural spraying. DJI warns that retroactive bans could leave users unable to purchase replacement parts or receive software updates for existing equipment. The company is urging the public to submit comments to the FCC during the consultation period.