FCC Adds Department of War Letters to DJI, Autel Dockets
The commission filed redacted documents identifying national security determinations regarding the drone manufacturers.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Robotics
Live Poll
Should the government restrict foreign-made drones based on classified security evidence?
The FCC has released redacted cover pages of Department of War letters regarding DJI and Autel Robotics into official dockets. These documents relate to the inclusion of both companies on the Covered List, which restricts new equipment authorizations.
Why it matters
The letters represent a national security agency determination mandated by the fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. This process evaluates potential risks associated with the manufacturers' equipment within the United States.
The FCC officially added DJI and Autel Robotics equipment to the Covered List on December 22, 2025. This action strictly prohibits new equipment authorizations for covered products under current regulatory frameworks.
The players
Federal Communications Commission
The independent United States government agency regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.
DJI
The Chinese technology company is a global leader in the design and manufacture of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Autel Robotics
The drone manufacturer specializes in the development of aerial robotic systems for commercial and consumer applications.
Department of War
The agency serves as the national security entity responsible for providing the determinations referenced in the current FCC dockets.
The details
The FCC filed these redacted cover pages for ET Docket No. 26-22 and ET Docket No. 26-23 following requirements set by Section 1709 of the fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. Both DJI and Autel Robotics have filed formal petitions for reconsideration or review in response to their placement on the restricted list.
Timeline
December 22, 2025: The FCC officially added DJI and Autel Robotics to the Covered List.
January 2026: Both DJI and Autel submitted petitions and applications for review.
September 2026: DJI challenged an additional FCC proposal regarding drone importation.
October 14, 2026: The FCC released a public notice regarding the agency letters.
The Tech Race
This regulatory action aligns with the broader move to restrict foreign-made telecommunications and drone technology within the United States. It positions the FCC as a critical gatekeeper in the ongoing effort to secure national infrastructure against potential hardware-level vulnerabilities.
These restrictions directly affect the availability of new DJI and Autel equipment authorizations within the domestic market. Consumers and commercial operators may face limited options for hardware as the commission continues to enforce its security-based equipment bans.
The takeaway
The addition of these companies to the Covered List reflects a heightened focus on the national security implications of imported drone technology. Stakeholders should monitor these dockets for future developments regarding the classification status of this equipment.
Further reading
For context on regulatory shifts in the industry, explore our Robotics section.
Live Poll
Should the government restrict foreign-made drones based on classified security evidence?
