The Federal Communications Commission is making its next big move in the race to dominate drone technology, and it’s tying that push directly to President Donald Trump’s national strategy for what officials are calling “American drone dominance.”
At the center of this latest development is a new public notice issued by the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and Office of Engineering and Technology. In simple terms, the agency is asking industry players, innovators, and stakeholders: What should we fix or change to help the US lead the global drone race?
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr recently visited a test site in Texas operated by Anduril Industries, where he was joined by CEO Brian Schimpf and COO Matt Grimm. The visit showcased cutting-edge drone and counter-drone systems — essentially highlighting what US companies are already capable of when regulations and resources align.
Carr didn’t mince words. He emphasized that drone production, deployment, and exports are now seen as critical pillars of national security, technological sovereignty, and global competitiveness. Companies like Anduril, he said, are “the tip of the spear” in building a strong domestic drone industry.
What the FCC wants to change
The new proceeding is less about one specific rule and more about reshaping the entire ecosystem. The FCC is exploring multiple reforms aimed at removing barriers and accelerating innovation.
One key focus is cutting regulatory friction. That includes revisiting rules around siting and device certification that may be slowing down deployment. The agency is also looking at expanding access to radio spectrum — the invisible infrastructure that enables drones to communicate, navigate, and operate safely.
Another priority is making it easier for US companies to invest and scale. That means clearer regulations, better access to infrastructure, and policies that encourage innovation rather than slow it down.
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The FCC is also thinking bigger in terms of infrastructure. It’s considering the creation of new drone innovation zones or dedicated areas where companies can test technologies, experiment with new use cases, and move toward commercialization faster.
Faster approvals already underway
This push isn’t starting from scratch. The FCC says it has already been accelerating approvals for experimental drone licenses. Since January 2025, the agency has granted 227 experimental approvals for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), along with eight approvals for counter-UAS technologies, marking the first time such authorizations have been issued at that level. These include licenses tied to implementations of the administration’s drone strategy.
Put into perspective, approvals for conventional experimental licenses have increased by 68% compared to the 2021-2024 period. That’s a significant jump, signaling a shift toward faster testing and deployment.
The FCC is also working to streamline experimental licensing rules even further. The goal is to enable more agile testing of advanced capabilities like beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, command-and-control systems, detect-and-avoid technologies, and secure navigation tools — all across a broader range of spectrum bands.
Supply chain and security remain central
Beyond speed and innovation, there’s a clear national security angle driving these changes.
The FCC previously added foreign-made drones and key components to its “Covered List” following national security determinations. While some devices were later removed, most foreign-produced UAS and critical components still face restrictions when it comes to entering the US market.
This means the agency is doubling down on building a “trusted” domestic supply chain — one that reduces reliance on foreign technology and aligns with broader security priorities.
Another area under review is coordination with other federal agencies. The FCC wants to better align spectrum policies with national security goals, particularly when it comes to mitigating risks from untrusted drones operating in US airspace.
For now, the FCC is in listening mode. The public notice is essentially an open call for ideas, ranging from regulatory fixes to infrastructure investments and spectrum strategies. But the direction is already clear: the US government wants to move faster, build more at home, and compete aggressively on the global stage.
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