Quick Answer
NDAA compliant drone radios are telemetry modems that meet US federal procurement rules restricting Chinese-manufactured components. RFdesign modems qualify because they are designed, tested, and built in Australia, and the RFD900ux appears on the DoD Blue UAS approved list. For any operator working with US government contracts, defence, or critical infrastructure, NDAA compliance is no longer optional.
What Does NDAA Compliance Mean for Drone Operators?
The National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) sets annual rules for US Department of Defence spending. Two sections directly affect drone operators: Section 848 of the FY20 NDAA prohibits the DoD from procuring UAS and components (flight controllers, cameras, radios, and other onboard systems) manufactured or developed in China. Section 817 of the FY23 NDAA expanded those restrictions to cover counter-UAS equipment and broadened the list of restricted countries to include China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
This matters well beyond the US military. State and local governments, federal contractors, and private firms working on infrastructure or defence-adjacent projects increasingly require NDAA-compliant hardware as a condition of their contracts. Even commercial operators in sectors like surveying, agriculture, and inspection are finding that NDAA compliance is becoming a standard procurement requirement.
Why RFdesign Modems Qualify
RFdesign is an Australian company based in Archerfield, Queensland. Their radio modems are designed, tested, and inspected in Australia, which means they fall outside the scope of NDAA restrictions on Chinese-manufactured components. The company explicitly states NDAA compliance on their product pages, and third-party resellers confirm compliance with Section 848 FY20, Section 817 FY23, and the American Security Drone Act.
The RFD 868ux and its 900MHz sibling the RFD900ux represent the latest generation of RFdesign modems. The RFD900ux is specifically listed on the DoD Blue UAS approved list, validated as cyber-secure and authorised for government purchase and operation. That level of approval carries real weight when you need to demonstrate supply chain integrity.
These modems operate as MAVLink serial telemetry radios, providing the data link between an autopilot (like a Pixhawk running ArduPilot or PX4) and a ground station. They transmit flight telemetry, mission commands, and status data. They are not video transmitters and not RC control links. If you want to understand the full picture of how telemetry radios fit into a drone's communication stack, see our long-range communication guide.
Which RFdesign Models Should You Consider?
The current product line splits by frequency band and generation:
- RFD 868ux and RFD 868ux Long Range Telemetry Modem, 868MHz for EU and international use
- RFD 900ux, 900MHz for US and Australia use, DoD Blue UAS approved
- RFD 868x and RFD 868x Long Range Telemetry Modem, previous generation, still widely used
The "ux" suffix denotes the current generation with improved RF performance, lower power consumption, and better interference rejection. For new builds, the ux series is the sensible choice. Bundles that include air and ground modules, plus the necessary cables, are available in the RFdesign collection.
Practical Implications
If your organisation bids on government contracts, operates near critical infrastructure, or works with US defence customers, switching to NDAA-compliant radios is straightforward. RFdesign modems drop into existing MAVLink setups with standard serial connections and work with ArduPilot, PX4, and most ground station software. Existing telemetry configurations (baud rates, MAVLink versions, net IDs) carry across.
The compliance paperwork is also simpler. Because RFdesign provides a clear chain of origin (Australian design and manufacture) with no covered-country components, supply chain documentation is considerably less burdensome than trying to prove compliance for hardware assembled from mixed international sources.
What to Buy
- RFD 868ux Long Range Telemetry Modem, latest generation, 868MHz, EU/international use
- RFD 868ux-EU Long Range Telemetry Modem Bundle, air and ground modules with cables
- RFD 868x Long Range Telemetry Modem, previous generation, solid value
- Browse the full range in the RFdesign collection and Wireless/Telemetry collection
FAQ
Q: Are RFdesign modems compliant with both Section 848 and Section 817?
A: Yes. RFdesign states their modems comply with Section 848 of the FY20 NDAA, Section 817 of the FY23 NDAA, and the American Security Drone Act. As an Australian manufacturer, their products contain no covered-country components.
Q: What is the DoD Blue UAS list?
A: The Blue UAS list is maintained by the US Defence Innovation Unit (DIU) and identifies drones and components that have been validated as cyber-secure and authorised for government use. The RFD900ux telemetry modem is on this list.
Q: Do I need NDAA compliance for civilian operations?
A: For purely recreational or non-contracted commercial use, NDAA compliance is not legally required. However, many commercial operators, especially those working with government clients or in regulated sectors, are choosing compliant hardware proactively to avoid future procurement issues.