What Happened
US Government Moves To Secure Domestic Airspace And Promote Local Technology
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has published its final rule adopting changes to its rules concerning drone authorizations, marketing of drones, and modifications to drones that already hold authorizations. The new rules, effective October 13, 2026, aim to restrict foreign-made drones and promote US innovation in the industry. The FCC has also proposed prohibiting the importation and marketing of certain foreign-produced military-grade drones, citing national security concerns. The agency’s actions may have significant implications for the drone industry, particularly for foreign manufacturers and online marketplaces. This development was reported by Holland & Knight.