The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on Tuesday, July 22, 2026, proposed rules to prohibit the import of advanced drones, primarily from China. The regulations aim to block drones equipped with swarming capabilities and infrared sensors for high-resolution thermal imaging, technologies considered military-grade.

This move follows mounting national security concerns over sensitive data potentially being accessed by foreign states. FCC officials stated the measures are necessary to “secure the drone supply chain.”

Exemptions for drone components produced outside China, initially introduced in December, have been extended until January 2028. This extension suggests a targeted effort to isolate Chinese manufacturers such as DJI and Autel Robotics.

The announcement comes days after US President Donald Trump accused China of interfering in the 2020 US elections. The FCC's actions build on previous measures, including a 2022 ban on telecommunications and video surveillance equipment from Chinese brands Huawei and ZTE, citing unacceptable national security risks.

In 2019, Trump signed the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act into law, which established criteria to identify communications services that could pose national security threats.

Separately, US defense chief Hegseth has estimated the cost of the Iran war at $37.5 billion so far.

Sources