Every year, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) sets the tone for U.S. defense and security policy. The House version of the FY2026 NDAA (H.R. 3838) introduces new and sharper language around drones. This has direct implications for manufacturers, government contractors, and everyday operators.

At Lone Star Drone, we track these developments closely because they influence more than just federal procurement. They also affect local agencies, businesses, and service providers across the United States.

What’s New in FY2026

The latest House draft expands oversight well beyond the airframes. The new provisions reach into the software, communications, and even spectrum bands that drones use. Here are the highlights:

• Foreign Equipment and Software Under Review

  • Any drone communications gear, integrated software, or telemetry equipment sourced from foreign entities is now subject to additional scrutiny.

  • The language specifically names Chinese manufacturers such as DJI and Autel, which clarifies the intended targets.

  
  

• Spectrum Restrictions

  • Equipment that uses the 5030–5091 MHz band (a frequency range relevant for UAS control and telemetry) is flagged if developed or supplied by foreign entities.

  
  

• Beyond Hardware

  • While previous NDAAs focused on radios and communications gear, FY2026 extends oversight to the entire drone ecosystem, including firmware and satellite connectivity.

  
  

• Counter-UAS and Operations

  • The bill strengthens counter-drone policy and includes directives for integrating FPV drones, small UAS, and modular platforms into joint force operations.

What This Means for the Industry

• Supply Chain Scrutiny

  U.S. agencies and contractors will need to carefully track the origins of their hardware, software, and firmware. Elements such as a software patch or chipset are now part of the review.

  
  

• Procurement Challenges

  Federal buyers and federally funded entities may soon face bans or restrictions on foreign-linked UAS components. State and local agencies that depend on federal grant dollars could also be affected.

  
  

• Repair and Replacement Delays

  Replacement parts or calibration services that rely on foreign-linked software could face delays or restrictions. This will create downstream effects for commercial operators and repair shops.

  
  

• Compliance Costs

  Documentation of part origin, sourcing alternatives, and proof of compliance will become a larger part of doing business, particularly for contractors and agencies.

Why It Matters for Operators

For commercial drone operators, repair businesses, and hobbyists, this bill signals a future with:

• More restrictions on DJI and Autel products in government and federally funded use cases.

  
  

• Longer lead times when sourcing replacement parts.

  
  

• Higher demand for U.S.-made or allied-nation alternatives.

What to Watch Next

• The Senate’s version of the NDAA and how closely it mirrors the House language.

  
  

• How regulators define a “foreign entity” in practice.

  
  

• Implementation timelines, whether restrictions phase in quickly or over multiple years.

  
  

• Enforcement of spectrum restrictions and whether exemptions appear.

Lone Star Drone’s Perspective

As a veteran-owned company committed to providing world-class aerial solutions, we see two clear takeaways:

1. Adaptability will be critical. Operators and agencies should stay flexible with platforms, sourcing, and compliance requirements.

   
   

2. Diversification matters. Access to both U.S. and allied-nation drone ecosystems is moving from a competitive advantage to an operational necessity.

   
   

At Lone Star Drone, we help clients navigate these shifts,providing full-service aerial solutions and repair services.