The city of El Paso’s drone program could be grounded from expansion under a new federal rule that blocks the sale of new foreign-made drones – including those produced by China-based DJI, the city’s supplier.
The Federal Communications Commission on Monday said it will ban new models of foreign-made drones from entering the U.S. market, stating that while the aircraft can enhance public safety, criminals and terrorists “can use them to present new and serious threats to our homeland.” The move follows a mandate in last year’s federal defense bill requiring a national security review of Chinese-made drones.
The FCC’s decision effectively prevents U.S. cities, agencies and private operators from purchasing or importing new drones produced in foreign countries, according to an FCC fact sheet…