Department of War Determinations and Covered List Updates
On June 22, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) released a Public Notice (DA 26-616) announcing that the Department of War (DoW) has granted Conditional Approvals for specific foreign-produced uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and router devices.
Under Section 2 of the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 and sections 1.50002(a) and 1.50003 of the Commission's rules, the PSHSB publishes and maintains the Covered List of communications equipment and services determined to pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security. Following specific determinations by the DoW that the identified equipment does not pose unacceptable risks, the Bureau has updated the Covered List to exempt these authorized devices.
Newly Exempted UAS Platforms and Router Models
Based on the latest evaluation and review process established by the Executive Branch interagency body, the DoW granted Conditional Approvals for equipment from three manufacturers:
These specific determinations exempt the listed platforms and hardware from the Covered List during their active approval windows.
- Real-Time Robotics, Inc.: HERA Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Platform (approval active June 22, 2026 through December 31, 2026).
- Ceres Air LLC: Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Platforms C40, C31, C26, C20, and C6 (approval active June 22, 2026 through December 31, 2026).
- Hitron Technologies Americas, Inc.: DOCSIS 4.0 Wi-Fi Gateway, DOCSIS 3.1 Wi-Fi Gateway, XGSPON Wi-Fi Gateway, Standalone Wi-Fi routers, 5G FWA Wi-Fi Gateway, and 5G FWA Wi-Fi Hotspot (approval active June 22, 2026 through December 18, 2027).
Regulatory Background on UAS and Router Restrictions
Foreign-produced UAS and UAS critical components were originally added to the Covered List on December 22, 2025 (DA 25-1086), pursuant to an Executive Branch National Security Determination. Subsequent updates in January 2026 provided general exemptions through January 1, 2027, for systems on the Defense Contract Management Agency's Blue UAS Cleared List and those qualifying as domestic end products under Buy American standards, while establishing mechanisms for individual Conditional Approvals from the DoW or Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Similarly, on March 23, 2026 (DA 26-278), foreign-produced routers were added to the Covered List, with express exceptions for equipment granted Conditional Approvals by the DoW or DHS. The PSHSB is obligated to continually update the Covered List to reflect determinations regarding qualifying hardware.
Implementation and Guidance for Equipment Authorizations
The PSHSB maintains the complete updated Covered List, list of Conditional Approvals, and an affiliated entity directory on the FCC website. The Bureau noted that prohibitions on equipment authorization remain strictly applicable to entities, affiliates, and subsidiaries subject to Covered List restrictions for non-exempted equipment.
Commission staff will continue providing guidance to Telecommunication Certification Bodies (TCBs), test laboratories, and equipment authorization applicants regarding the practical application and regulatory impact of these Conditional Approval exemptions.