NDAA stands for National Defense Authorization Act — a yearly U.S. law that sets defense rules, including strict security requirements for drones (UAS) and their parts.
In the drone world, “NDAA compliant” means the product follows U.S. government security rules by avoiding risky foreign sources — mainly certain companies and components from China (like DJI, Autel), and sometimes Russia, Iran, or North Korea.
Key Rules It Covers
- No critical parts (flight controllers, cameras, radios, GPS, motors, etc.) from banned foreign makers.
- No “covered” telecom or video equipment banned under Section 889 (targets specific Chinese surveillance/tech firms).
- Safe, traceable supply chain — no hidden risks of spying, data leaks, or backdoors.
These rules come from sections like 848 (2020 NDAA), the American Security Drone Act, and updates in 2025 NDAA + FCC rules (effective ~2025–2026).
Why It Matters
U.S. government agencies, DoD, contractors, and many state/local projects using federal money cannot buy or use non-compliant drones. Non-compliance blocks access to:
- Defense programs
- Federal contracts
- Public safety / infrastructure jobs
- Blue UAS or Green UAS approved lists
Hobbyists usually don’t need it, but government, enterprise, or grant-funded work often does.
ARK Electronics & NDAA Compliance
ARK makes drone electronics (flight controllers, GPS, IMUs, sensors) that are NDAA compliant because:
- Designed and built in the United States.
- Uses a trusted supply chain — no banned foreign parts or companies.
- Meets rules for DoD, Blue UAS, federal grants, and secure projects.
Our products support open-source software like PX4/ArduPilot and are eligible for government and defense use.
Bottom line: NDAA compliance = “Made with trusted, secure parts — safe for U.S. government and critical missions.” ARK Electronics provides fully U.S.-made options that check the box.