• The US FCC has added DJI and other foreign drone makers to a list posing national security risks.
• The ban prohibits new models from being sold or imported in the US, affecting the global drone market.
• American drone pilots express concern over reliance on foreign technology amidst regulatory changes.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially barred approvals for new drone models from China’s DJI, Autel, and all foreign-made drones, classifying them as risks to US national security. This move, announced on Monday, will prevent these companies from obtaining necessary approvals to sell new drone models or critical components in the US, as part of a larger strategy to manage foreign technology risks, particularly from China, according to Reuters and SCMP.

The addition to the FCC's "Covered List" is a significant escalation in the ongoing campaign against Chinese technology, especially drones that dominate the commercial market in the US. Existing models will not be affected, allowing consumers and businesses to continue using previously purchased devices. However, the restriction signals a shift where the US aims to limit its reliance on foreign drone technology, as noted by the FCC and echoed by industry experts from various sources, including India Times and SCMP.

The ramifications of this ban are considerable, as nearly half a million registered US drone pilots commonly use DJI products for various applications, including emergency response and agricultural tasks. Industry insiders have expressed frustration at the possible end of affordable and effective drone solutions, asserting that this decision will complicate operations for services dependent on drone technology, particularly in public safety sectors, according to India Times and Reuters.

In response to the FCC's actions, DJI expressed disappointment, asserting that the decision lacks transparency regarding the evidence of security risks. Analysts have characterized the ban as a tactic in the broader escalation of strategic competition between the US and China, arguing that it signifies the beginning of decoupling efforts in critical technological sectors, such as drones. This perspective aligns with arguments made by experts like Wang Dan from the Eurasia Group, who state that the ban indicates a long-term strategy to compete against China in dual-use technologies, according to SCMP and India Times.

This decision follows a December set deadline set by the National Defense Authorization Act, compelling the FCC to assess the security threat posed by Chinese drones. Industry stakeholders had anticipated this development, which could significantly reshape the future of the drone market in the US, calling it a "#bad policy" for both economic and operational reasons. Analysts have pointed out that the costs of domestic production may rise as US firms strive to fill the gap left by the restrictions on Chinese manufacturers, as discussed by various experts in the field, including SCMP and India Times.