The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) has issued Public Notice DA 26-437 on 6 May 2026, announcing that the Department of War (DoW) has granted Conditional Approvals for specific uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and routers. As a result, these devices are now exempt from the FCC’s Covered List, the register of equipment and services determined to pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security.
Background: The Covered List Framework
The Covered List is maintained by PSHSB under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019. It identifies equipment and services that cannot be authorised for use in U.S. communications networks due to national security concerns.
Two categories of equipment relevant to this update were added to the Covered List in recent months:
- UAS and UAS critical components produced in a foreign country added on 22 December 2025, based on a National Security Determination that such devices pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security and the safety of U.S. persons.
- Routers produced in a foreign country added on 23 March 2026, on the same national security basis.
Both entries include a carve-out: devices that receive a Conditional Approval from the DoW or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are exempt from the Covered List.
Key Changes Introduced
The DoW has reviewed submissions and granted Conditional Approvals for the following devices, which are now exempt from the Covered List:
UAS:
- Air6 System GmbH’s AIR8 Medium Lifter, AIR8 Compact, AIR4 Rugged, AIR4 Light, AIR4 Micro, AIR4 Nano E, and AIR4 Nano Unmanned Aerial Systems (valid to 31 December 2026)
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Routers:
- Calix, Inc.’s 7u6.2 router, part number 100-06200 (valid to 31 October 2027)
These additions bring the full list of Conditionally Approved devices as of 6 May 2026 to six UAS and four router product lines, including previously approved devices from SiFly Aviation, Mobilicom, ScoutDI, Verge, Sees.ai, Netgear, Adtran, and eero.
What This Means for Industry
The Conditional Approval mechanism provides a pathway for manufacturers of foreign-produced UAS and routers to seek exemption from the Covered List on a time-limited basis. Approvals are not permanent, as each carries an expiry date after which devices revert to Covered List status unless a renewal is granted.
For manufacturers, importers, and operators supplying or using UAS or routers in the U.S. market, it is essential to verify whether specific products hold a current Conditional Approval and to monitor expiry dates. Products on the Covered List without a valid exemption cannot receive FCC equipment authorisation.
The updated Covered List and full Conditional Approvals register are available at fcc.gov/supplychain/coveredlist.
To read the official FCC notification on this update, access below.
How C-PRAV Can Support You
C-PRAV assists manufacturers with FCC equipment authorisation across a wide range of product categories, including wireless devices, routers, and telecommunications equipment. Our team can help you assess whether your products are affected by the Covered List, navigate the authorisation process, and stay ahead of evolving supply chain security requirements in the U.S. market.
Have questions? We’re here to help.