President Signs Executive Order to Reduce Reliance on Foreign Drones

President Trump has signed a series of executive orders that claim to strengthen domestic drone manufacturing, enhance public safety, and revive civilian supersonic air travel. The actions reflect a broader federal effort to reduce US reliance on foreign drone technology, particularly from China.

One order directs the FAA to allow commercial and public safety operators to fly drones beyond the visual line of sight, a significant change from existing restrictions. It also supports testing of vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for potential roles in cargo delivery, emergency response, and rural access. Another directive promotes exports of American-made drones and prioritizes federal agency purchases from US manufacturers.

A major driver of these executive orders was security concerns. Officials cited espionage risks from foreign-built drones and the possibility of drones being used to smuggle drugs or disrupt major public events, including the 2026 World Cup or the 2028 Olympics.

“Building a strong and secure domestic drone sector is vital to reducing reliance on foreign sources, strengthening critical supply chains and ensuring that the benefits of this technology are delivered to the American people,” the order stated.

A separate order instructed the FAA to develop processes for restricting drone flights near critical infrastructure, federal facilities, and borders. It also called for stronger enforcement of airspace laws and funding for local agencies to obtain drone-detection tools.

Industry representatives welcomed the move. The Commercial Drone Alliance called the orders “long-overdue steps” to modernize drone policy and invest in domestic technology.

Congress has also shown increasing interest in limiting Chinese drone influence. Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik introduced the Countering CCP Drones Act in April 2023, which would have placed drone manufacturer DJI on an FCC-maintained list of companies that pose a risk to national security and barred DJI from making sales in the US. Rulemakers ditched the bill and instead mandated a risk assessment on Chinese-made drones.

FMI: www.whitehouse.gov