Department of War Conditional Approvals and Covered List Exemptions
On May 15, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) released a Public Notice (DA 26-489) announcing that the Department of War (DoW) has granted Conditional Approvals for select uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and routers. Under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 and Commission rules, these specific devices are granted exemptions from the FCC's Covered List of equipment and services determined to pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security or person safety.
- Elevon Aerial, LLC (d/b/a Elevon Aerial AG): Z30, Z50, and Z80 Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (Conditional Approval valid May 15, 2026 through December 31, 2026).
- Nokia Corporation: Wireless-fidelity 8 router (Conditional Approval valid May 15, 2026 through October 31, 2027).
Regulatory Background on Foreign-Produced UAS and Routers
The Covered List was previously updated on December 22, 2025 (DA 25-1086), to include all foreign-produced UAS and UAS critical components based on an Executive Branch interagency National Security Determination. Subsequent notices established exceptions, including devices on the Defense Contract Management Agency's (DCMA) Blue UAS Cleared List, items qualifying as domestic end products under the Buy American Standard through January 1, 2027, and devices receiving explicit Conditional Approvals from DoW or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
On March 23, 2026 (DA 26-278), the Commission also added foreign-produced routers to the Covered List based on an interagency determination, excluding routers that receive Conditional Approvals from DoW or DHS.
Bureau Authority and Stakeholder Guidance
Pursuant to 47 CFR ยงยง 1.50002(a) and 1.50003, PSHSB is mandated to maintain, monitor, and publish the Covered List on the FCC website. The Bureau determined that DoW's Conditional Approvals constitute specific determinations that the identified devices do not pose unacceptable national security risks, requiring an update to exclude them from the list.
Commission staff will continue to provide guidance to Telecommunication Certification Bodies (TCBs), test labs, and equipment authorization applicants regarding the impact of Covered List updates. Affiliates and subsidiaries of listed entities remain subject to FCC prohibitions, including restrictions on obtaining equipment authorizations.