FCC Releases 'Drone Dominance' Public Notice
The FCC is looking for input on a variety of regulatory changes to support domestic drone production and usage.
WASHINGTON, April 1, 2026 – President Trump wants to “Unleash America’s Drone Dominance,” and the Federal Communications Commission is lining up to deliver.
The FCC released a call for public comment on Wednesday, requesting input to update or remove regulations to allow for increased drone production and testing to support this emerging technology.
These reforms may include designated testing zones, licensing reforms, increased spectrum allotment, improved federal coordination to align spectrum policy with national security and increased facilitation of investment, among others.
“As the President’s national strategy outlines, the production, deployment, and export of American drones are core elements of U.S. national security, technological sovereignty, and global competitiveness.” FCC Chairmen Brendan Carr said. “At the FCC, we are doing our part to promote U.S. drone leadership by cutting red tape, modernizing obsolete regulations, and securing a domestic drone supply chain.”
This announcement comes in response to two executive orders signed by Trump last June aimed at increasing the development of drone technology and maintaining control of US airspace.
The FCC was instructed in both orders to play a role in addressing barriers to spectrum usage, prioritize integration of drones manufactured in the United States over those made abroad, and report to congress on the creation of a national training center, among others.
Since these orders were signed, the FCC has also increased its approval rate and shifted its application processes for experimental licenses, noting a 68% increase in overall approvals compared to the past four years, according to the statement.
On February 25, the Chinese technology company DJI sued the FCC over its blacklisting of its drone products, saying it violated the company’s Fifth Amendment rights of due process and violated statutory authority by going beyond what Congress had previously authorized.
The FCC had added DJI to its covered list effectively prohibiting items from being marketed, sold or imported into the U.S.. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., noted last October that DJI had used shell entities to evade U.S. law and pose unacceptable national-security risks.
“The production, deployment, and export of American unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or drones) and antidrone defense systems (Counter-UAS) have become core elements of our economic and military superiority,” The public notice said. “The FCC is taking aggressive action to implement President Trump’s policy of American drone dominance.”
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