US Considers Ban on Foreign Military Drone Imports

Washington - The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is requesting input from various parties regarding the possible prohibition of the import or sale of foreign-made military drones. On Tuesday, the FCC announced measures to strengthen the security of the drone industry supply chain. “The Commission has issued a Public Notice seeking comment on whether the import or sale for non-federal public use of foreign-made military drones on the Covered List should be prohibited, including swarming drones and drones equipped with infrared technology,” the FCC said in a statement. Specifically, the commission is seeking information on the number of devices that have been imported and are ready for market, as well as the number of models currently in transit or awaiting shipment. The FCC is also requesting the number of drones already covered by distribution, marketing, or sales agreements but which have not yet entered the supply chain. According to the FCC notice, the proposed ban would not apply to unmanned aircraft systems and their key components manufactured domestically. Additionally, exceptions would be granted for the import or sale of unmanned systems intended for use by the US federal government, as well as those imported or sold for commercial testing and product development purposes.