Autel Robotics claims that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is unfairly treating its drones like DJI products, even though the company says regulators have never presented evidence that Autel itself poses a security threat.
In a newly filed response with the FCC, Autel Robotics is aggressively pushing back against efforts to keep its drones on the agency’s so-called “Covered List” — a designation that could effectively block future FCC equipment authorizations and make it almost impossible for the company to sell new drones in the United States.
Autel argues the FCC relied on secret evidence, broad assumptions about Chinese companies, and allegations tied to other firms like DJI rather than actual proof involving Autel itself.
At the center of the dispute is the FCC’s interpretation of the Secure Networks Act and related national security measures targeting foreign-made communications equipment. The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau previously moved to classify foreign-manufactured drones and key drone components as “covered” equipment tied to national security risks. According to Autel, that decision unfairly lumped together entire categories of foreign drones without individualized evidence.
