The U.S. Home of Representatives has handed its model of the Fiscal 12 months 2026 Nationwide Protection Authorization Act (NDAA), which incorporates up to date language on unmanned plane techniques of international origin. The brand new provisions construct on measures enacted within the FY 2025 NDAA, increasing the scope of apparatus and software program topic to assessment when linked to international entities.
Home NDAA FY 26 on Chinese language Drones
The NDAA is the annual protection coverage invoice that units priorities and authorities for the Division of Protection. Unmanned plane techniques (UAS) have change into a spotlight lately, reflecting considerations about provide chain safety and the position of foreign-manufactured know-how in delicate areas.
Within the FY 25 NDAA (Public Regulation 118-159, Part 1709), lawmakers required a one-year nationwide safety assessment of communications and video surveillance tools and companies produced by international entities. The part particularly referenced sure drone producers, together with the world’s largest drone producer, DJI. If the assessment shouldn’t be accomplished inside a yr, the tools or companies should be mechanically added to the Federal Communications Fee (FCC) “Lined Checklist.” This might restrict the doorway of recent fashions into america and the performance and replace path of earlier fashions.
The FY 25 NDAA was signed into regulation on December 22, 2024, that means the assessment deadline is December 22, 2025.
Learn the FY 25 NDAA closing textual content right here.
FY 26 Home Invoice Expands Protection
The Home model of the FY 26 NDAA (H.R. 3838, Part 1723) builds on this earlier language. It introduces a subsection requiring assessment of:
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Unmanned plane techniques communications tools and companies, explicitly naming UAS as topic to analysis.
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Built-in software program related to UAS, if supplied by international entities.
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Tools utilizing the 5030–5091 MHz spectrum band, if developed or provided by international entities.
The invoice maintains the identical one-year deadline for assessment. If no dedication is made, these classes of apparatus and companies should be added to the FCC Lined Checklist. Learn the FY 26 NDAA Home model right here.
Facet-by-Facet: NDAA FY 25 vs. Present Home Model of NDAA FY 26
There are vital similarities between the 2 years’ language:
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Each require a one-year nationwide safety dedication.
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Each direct computerized addition to the FCC Lined Checklist if opinions are incomplete.
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Each depend on current statutory definitions for “international adversary” and associated phrases.
The variations are in scope and specificity:
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FY 25 centered on communications and video surveillance tools extra broadly.
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FY 26 narrows in on UAS, naming DJI and Autel particularly, whereas increasing protection to incorporate software program and particular spectrum use.
This shift makes clear that unmanned plane techniques themselves, not solely basic communications gear, are a main focus for assessment.
Two Parallel One-12 months Timelines
The timing of the 2 NDAAs creates an overlap.
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Beneath FY 25, the deadline for determinations is December 22, 2025.
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If enacted, the FY 26 NDAA would set a brand new one-year deadline from its personal enactment date, probably in late 2025 or early 2026.
This implies there may very well be two assessment durations, back-to-back: the FY 25 assessment concluding on the finish of 2025, adopted by the expanded FY 26 assessment operating by late 2026.
Implications for Operators and Suppliers
The FCC Lined Checklist is important as a result of tools and companies added to it face restrictions on use in federally funded communications networks. The listing also can form procurement selections by authorities businesses and affect the broader market.
For the drone trade, the FY 26 Home language highlights two areas of rising consideration:
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Software program provide chains, since built-in software program is now explicitly named.
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Spectrum tools, notably within the 5030–5091 MHz band used for some UAS command and management hyperlinks.
These provisions don’t impose an instantaneous operational ban. As an alternative, they set up a course of that might lead to extra techniques and parts being reviewed and probably listed.
Senate Motion and Convention Forward
The Senate should nonetheless cross its model of the NDAA, and a convention committee will reconcile the Home and Senate texts. The language described right here is from the Home-reported model of H.R. 3838. Part numbers and wording might change in engrossment or throughout the convention course of.
Subsequent Steps for Drone Coverage Language
The Home model of the FY 26 NDAA extends the strategy taken in FY 25 by making use of assessment necessities on to UAS, built-in software program, and particular spectrum tools. With overlapping one-year deadlines, trade stakeholders needs to be conscious that determinations might happen in each 2025 and 2026. The ultimate scope will rely on Senate motion and the convention course of later this yr.
Learn extra:
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, knowledgeable drone companies market, and a fascinated observer of the rising drone trade and the regulatory atmosphere for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles centered on the industrial drone area and is a global speaker and acknowledged determine within the trade. Miriam has a level from the College of Chicago and over 20 years of expertise in excessive tech gross sales and advertising and marketing for brand new applied sciences.
For drone trade consulting or writing, E-mail Miriam.
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