FCC Proposes Banning Already-Approved Thermal and LiDAR Drones in US

The US FCC is seeking public comment on a proposal to ban continued importation and sale of already-authorised foreign drones that qualify as "military-grade" — a category broad enough to include thermal, LiDAR, agricultural, and docking-station models, plus any drone over 55 pounds. The comment window closes September 2, 2026. DJI has responded publicly, pushing back on the scope of the definition. This follows the FCC adding DJI and most foreign-made drones to its Covered List in December 2025; the new proposal targets the loophole that let pre-listed models keep reaching US retailers.