The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has sparked widespread disappointment and opposition across various industries by adding all new foreign-made drones and components to its "Covered List," citing national security concerns. This move effectively prevents Chinese drone manufacturers, such as DJI, the world's largest drone maker, from obtaining FCC approval to sell new models and components in the U.S.

The Shenzhen-based Chinese company expressed its disappointment with the decision, saying it has always been committed to providing innovative tools and inspiration for image creators worldwide. It also emphasized that its products are among the safest and most secure on the market, citing years of reviews by U.S. government agencies and independent third parties.

U.S. self-reliance in drone manufacturing lagging behind

In addition to blocking new drone models, the FCC's updated list also restricts critical components and software from foreign manufacturers, including data transmission devices, communication systems, sensors and cameras. James Downes, co-director of the Italy-based Center for Research and Social Progress think tank, argued that this comprehensive ban neutralizes the possibility of companies bypassing the restrictions by establishing U.S.-based factories, pushing the U.S. toward relying entirely on domestic supply chains.

"However, the U.S. has yet to achieve full self-reliance in drone manufacturing," the South China Morning Post reported, citing Downes, adding that while the U.S.-based drone maker Skydio excels in defense applications, it still lags behind Chinese manufacturers in terms of commercial scale and cost efficiency.

The new ban was "just another example of the U.S. shooting itself in the foot," said Jayant Menon, a visiting senior fellow at the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, as quoted by the South China Morning Post.

According to Menon, China remains the world's largest and most efficient drone producer. Denying U.S. consumers access to Chinese drones will likely result in higher costs and shortages, "affecting the day-to-day activities of workers such as first responders and farmers."

Menon argued that it could take years for the U.S. to develop the capacity to match either the output or the efficiency of Chinese-produced drones, calling the ban "simply bad trade policy."

Frustrating drone pilots and potential setback for industries

The decision has also upset many drone pilots, with DJI accounting for roughly 80 percent of the commercial drone market in the U.S. In 2024, the company occupied about 70 percent of the global market, according to market research firm Research and Markets.

Vic Moss, volunteer director of the Drone Advocacy Alliance, described widespread frustration among drone users.

"People are pissed – incredibly, incredibly pissed – about the whole thing," Moss told The New York Times, noting that U.S. law enforcement relies on DJI drones for operations like tracking suspects and searching for missing persons. Banning these drones could hinder emergency responders' ability to perform their jobs effectively.

Commercial pilots are also voicing concerns.

DaCoda Bartels, chief operating officer of FlyGuys, a company that connects commercial drone pilots with freelance work around the country, expressed disappointment over being cut off from DJI's ongoing innovations. "DJI as a company will still be innovating and offering their products in other countries. We just won't have access to them. That's unfortunate."

He said American-made versions are four times as expensive but "half as good."

Meanwhile, in Texas, Gene Robinson, who uses DJI drones for law enforcement training and forensic analysis, fears the new ban will hurt his business and many others "who have come to rely on the Chinese drones because of their versatility, high performance and affordable prices," reported the Associated Press.

Public backlash has been strong on social media.

Netizens criticized the FCC's actions, with one commenting, "Seems pretty lame for the FCC to go through with this without a proper audit and receipts." Many argued that the decision could hinder business growth. "Thousands of businesses will suffer," one user warned. A businessperson echoed that concern, saying the new ban would hurt business because there are "no good DJI replacements made in America." Others voiced frustration over the U.S. lagging behind in drone technology. "Why are they keep banning something we don't have? It is not DJI have a problem. It is us [who] are behind the rest of the world," one user commented. "Terrible decision. The opposite of freedom. There are basically no American drone companies that sell or market to consumers," another said.

Comments also expressed concerns about the decline of globalization, as one said, "World is stepping back to 19th century. Globalization is fading."