🚁 Drone Lockdown in the US

The US regulatory agency FCC has placed all new drones and components from abroad on the "Covered List" – a massive blow to global market leader DJI.

Details

📵 The new reality: New DJI models can no longer be sold in the US as of now. Existing drones remain legal, but updates and new components could become scarce.

🎯 Why now? Congress set a deadline in the Defense Bill 2025: By December 23, manufacturers had to prove their drones posed no security risk.

• After an interagency review, the FCC decided: All foreign drones are an "unacceptable risk."

🏟️ Olympics as catalyst: The FCC explicitly cites the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games as reasons for the measure. The concern: "Terrorists and hostile actors" could misuse drones.

🇺🇸 US manufacturers celebrate: They're hailing the move as a breakthrough for "American drone dominance," even though US drones often cost twice as much and are considered "half as good."

🇨🇳 Beijing's response: China's Foreign Ministry calls it a violation of market principles. DJI itself dismisses all espionage allegations as "unfounded" and "pure protectionism."

Good to know

DJI dominates nearly the entire US market (over 90% of commercial drones). From agriculture to construction to police and fire departments – the dependence on Chinese technology is massive and can hardly be replaced in the short term.