This is outdated, the Americans did a 180 because it was not economically viable:
US drops plan to restrict Chinese-made drones; Chinese expert says economic realities behind the change (Jan 10 2026)
Classic TACO, eh
Since when is the US concerned about “economic realities”?
Since they can’t get parts as they are banned.
This is also a strategic way to prevent resistance from Americans against an authoritarian regime.
Drones would be a significant part of that.
I know people that work in documentary film making, will eventually be incredibly annoying/expensive to practice in the US though it is always possible to rent gear/hire an operator with their own gear in other countries when filming outside of the US
on December 23, 2025, but the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) drastically expanded the list of banned drones. Now every foreign-made drone is on the FCC’s “Covered List. You know, the ban list. The law is now in effect, and nearly every drone brand faces a slow exile from the American market.
Doesn’t sound slow. I wonder what constitutes “a drone”. Back in the day everyone was adamant that they were not “drones” at all but “FPV”. I guess they were swimming upstream.
Can I purchase a Chinese “quadcopter” and then order and install a Chinese camera on it?
It’ll be more like ordering a Chinese “first person RC car” then grabbing a conversion kit. this company newbeedrone currently sells a drone, and a kit to convert it to a car
But instead they will reverse it. You get a cart, and they sell you a $20
drone conversion kitpersonal fan add onAccording to LTTs WAN show it involves not only brands but also flight controllers and motors.
You’d need a domestically (or at least non-chinese) produced controller and motors.
