FCC drone ban proposal targets LiDAR and thermal drones Business news | August 11, 2026 By Brian Tristam Williams The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering extending its restrictions on foreign-made uncrewed aircraft systems to previously authorised drones with capabilities it classifies as military-grade, including LiDAR and thermal imaging. The proposed FCC drone ban would stop the continued importation and marketing of affected equipment on the agency’s Covered List, while allowing owners to keep using drones they have already bought.