The US Commerce Department is exploring potential regulations aimed at restricting or banning the use of drones that utilize technology sourced from China and Russia, spurring discussions on national security implications. This consideration comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between the US and these two countries, particularly in the context of the ongoing trade and technology decoupling.

In a recent announcement, the Commerce Department indicated that its Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is soliciting public feedback by March 4, 2025, regarding the risks posed by foreign adversaries within the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) supply chain. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the necessity of securing this technology supply chain to protect sensitive US data from potential foreign manipulation.

The proposed measures arise from concerns that adversarial entities like China and Russia could gain the capability to remotely access and control drones, presenting significant risks to national security. In a detailed statement, the Commerce Department highlighted that “acute threats” from these nations constitute a major vulnerability for US interests.

This initiative gained additional urgency following a recent action by China, which imposed export bans on 28 American companies, including major defense contractors such as Raytheon and Boeing, citing national security concerns. The new US regulations are viewed as a countermeasure to safeguard against vulnerabilities in the commercial drone market, reflecting a trend towards stricter oversight of technology linked to foreign entities.

Additionally, the Biden administration has taken steps to reduce reliance on Chinese drone manufacturers, particularly as China dominates the global drone production market. In past rulings, the Pentagon identified DJI, a leading drone manufacturer based in Shenzhen, as a national security threat, prohibiting its products from being used by government agencies. In response, DJI has contested its military designation through legal channels.

As part of its ongoing policy framework, the BIS previously addressed potential risks associated with foreign technology in sectors like connected vehicles. This consistent approach demonstrates a commitment from the federal government to explore and mitigate security risks posed by technology sourced from adversarial nations.

For further details, refer to the original report.