First Batch of UAS Exemptions Granted
On March 18, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission announced an update to its Covered List, removing four Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) that were determined by the Department of War (DoW) not to pose national security risks.
The newly exempted UAS and related systems include devices and software from four manufacturers receiving the Commission's first batch of Conditional Approvals.
- SiFly Aviation, Inc. Q12 Uncrewed Aircraft System
- Mobilicom SkyHopper Series / M Band / Tactical Data Link, Various Controllers, and ICE, OS3 Security Software
- ScoutDI Scout 137 Uncrewed Aircraft System
- Verge, Inc. X1 Uncrewed Aircraft System
Regulatory Background and Exemption Criteria
Last year, following an interagency determination regarding unacceptable national security risks, the FCC placed all UAS and UAS critical components produced in a foreign country onto the Covered List. That designation prohibited equipment authorization for the import or sale of new models in the United States.
In January 2026, the DoW determined that three categories of UAS and UAS critical components do not pose unacceptable national security risks through January 1, 2027:
- UAS and UAS critical components included on DoW's Blue UAS Cleared List
- UAS and UAS critical components qualifying as domestic end products under the Buy American Standard
- UAS and UAS critical components granted individual Conditional Approval
Conditional Approval Process and Covered List Maintenance
With receipt of the initial batch of determinations, the FCC modified the Covered List to exempt devices that have secured Conditional Approval. The Commission stated that Conditional Approvals will be published and continuously updated on the FCC website.
Entities seeking individual Conditional Approvals for covered UAS and UAS critical components are instructed to submit relevant information to drones@fcc.gov. The FCC forwards these submissions to the Department of War and the Department of Homeland Security for security determinations. The FCC has also made available a list of frequently asked questions regarding updates to the Covered List.