FCC Files Pentagon Letters in DJI and Autel Covered List Dockets

FCC Adds Pentagon Letters to DJI and Autel Drone Ban Records

The Federal Communications Commission's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau issued Public Notice DA 26-1106 on October 14, 2026, filing Department of War letters submitted under Section 1709 of the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act into the formal records of ET Docket 26-22 (SZ DJI Technology) and ET Docket 26-23 (Autel Robotics). Only redacted, unclassified cover pages entered the public record, while the classified letters remain under seal.

Critically, the FCC stated that it did not rely on these materials when making related Covered List additions. Both DJI's petition for reconsideration and Autel's application for review remain pending without a Commission ruling. The filing therefore adds procedural record material rather than creating a new operational restriction.

What This Means for B2B Drone Buyers

This means commercial drone operators can continue to market and deploy equipment that is already authorized. However, new equipment authorizations involving Covered List producers continue to face restrictions. Procurement teams should monitor docket developments closely rather than treat this filing as a new operational ban.

• Existing authorized equipment remains marketable for commercial operators.
• New authorizations involving Covered List producers remain subject to restrictions.
• DJI's petition for reconsideration and Autel's application for review are still pending.
• The FCC did not rely on the filed letters for related Covered List additions.

Key Procedural Details

For additional context, see the original source.

Supplier Solution Note

Export-control scrutiny on drone components continues to tighten. For B2B buyers, supply-chain flexibility and documented component provenance matter as much as unit price. Dual-source qualification reduces regulatory exposure.