Department of War Grants First UAS Conditional Approvals
On March 18, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) released a Public Notice (DA 26-253) announcing that the Department of War (DoW) has granted conditional approvals for specified uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and UAS critical components. Because of these specific determinations, the identified equipment is now exempt from the Commission's Covered List.
The action is taken pursuant to 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 in WC Docket No. 18-89, ET Docket No. 21-232, and EA Docket No. 21-233. PSHSB maintains the Covered List, which identifies communications and video surveillance equipment and services determined to pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security or the safety of U.S. persons.
Background on UAS Covered List Determinations
On December 22, 2025, PSHSB added all foreign-produced UAS and critical components to the Covered List based on a National Security Determination from an Executive Branch interagency body. That determination concluded that foreign-produced UAS, along with communications and video surveillance equipment listed in Section 1709(a)(1) of the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act, pose unacceptable national security risks.
On January 7, 2026, the Commission received a subsequent National Security Determination from the DoW. PSHSB subsequently updated the Covered List to exempt UAS and critical components appearing on the Defense Contract Management Agency's (DCMA) Blue UAS Cleared List through January 1, 2027, as well as items qualifying as domestic end products under the Buy American Standard (48 CFR ยง 25.101(a)) through January 1, 2027.
Approved Devices and Conditional Exemption Details
Under the established interagency process, entities may request individual conditional approvals from the DoW or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DoW reviewed submissions and granted conditional approvals effective from March 17, 2026, through December 31, 2026, for specific systems and components.
PSHSB determined that these approvals constitute specific national security determinations requiring an update to the Covered List entry for UAS equipment.
- 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 Compliance and Staff Guidance
The updated UAS entry on the Covered List now formally excludes foreign-produced UAS and UAS critical components that are on the DCMA Blue UAS Cleared List (until January 1, 2027), qualify as Buy American Standard domestic end products (until January 1, 2027), or have received a Conditional Approval from the DoW or DHS.
Commission staff will continue to provide guidance to Telecommunication Certification Bodies (TCBs), test laboratories, and equipment authorization applicants regarding the effect of these modifications under sections 0.191 and 0.31(i) of the Commission's rules. Specific questions on conditional approvals may be directed to drones@fcc.gov.