US Explores Ban on Foreign-Made Drones

The US government has launched public consultations that could lead to a ban on the sale of commercial drones and their parts originating from China or Russia.

This move, announced on Thursday, is driven by heightened concerns over potential national security risks associated with foreign-manufactured drones.

The consultations, set to conclude on March 4, aim to tighten procurement rules and prevent parts or devices from "foreign adversaries," particularly from China and Russia.

The US Department of Commerce emphasized that such drones could allow foreign entities to remotely control the devices, thereby compromising sensitive American data.

Outgoing Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo stated that securing the drone supply chain is essential to maintaining our national security, adding that this investigation represents a critical step in protecting the US from risks posed by foreign entities.

The issue has gained momentum following an increase in reports from residents in New York and New Jersey about sightings of unidentified drones in late 2024.

Social media has been flooded with videos of mysterious lights in the sky, fueling speculation. Republican officials have pointed to potential foreign threats, though concrete evidence remains elusive.

Over one million drones are legally operational across the US, serving purposes ranging from recreation to business activities and law enforcement.

Despite their widespread use, concerns persist about the potential misuse of foreign-manufactured drones, particularly those produced by Chinese companies.