On June 6, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a significant executive order aimed at advancing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, across the United States.
The order emphasizes the transformative potential of drones, which have already begun to reshape industries such as logistics, agriculture, emergency response, and public safety.
In his directive, President Trump highlighted the need for the United States to maintain leadership in the drone sector, advocating for the acceleration of safe commercialization and integration of UAS into the National Airspace System.
President Trump stated, “The time has come to accelerate testing and enable routine drone operations, scale up domestic production, and expand the export of trusted, American-manufactured drone technologies to global markets.”
**Purpose and Goals**
The order outlines several key purposes, notably the enhancement of U.S. productivity and the creation of high-skilled jobs through drone technology.
It focuses on reducing reliance on foreign drone systems by fostering a robust domestic drone industry directly impacting safety and technology reliability.
**Defining UAS and Drones**
The executive order includes definitions of terms such as “agency,” referring to government entities, and clarifies what constitutes unmanned aircraft systems and drones.
These definitions help frame the following policies and actions designed to support UAS development in the U.S.
**Policy Initiatives**
The President’s policy revolves around three main initiatives aimed at ensuring American leadership in the UAS sector:
1. Accelerating the integration of UAS into the National Airspace System through timely, risk-based rulemaking.
2. Supporting domestic commercialization of UAS technologies by promoting industry-led innovation and reducing regulatory barriers.
3. Strengthening the domestic drone industrial base while facilitating the export of U.S.-manufactured UAS, focusing on updated economic policies and regulations.
**Expanding Commercial UAS Operations**
A crucial element of the executive order involves measures to expand commercial UAS operations.
Within 30 days, the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the FAA Administrator, is tasked with proposing a rule for routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for commercial and public safety purposes.
This proposed rule aims to allow commercial users to operate drones beyond the visual range, which can vastly expand their operational scope in various industries.
Furthermore, the Secretary is required to establish metrics for assessing BVLOS performance and safety and report on any additional regulatory barriers within 180 days.
**Utilizing AI for UAS Operations**
In a move towards modernization, the executive order mandates the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance the review of drone waiver applications.
By using AI, the FAA can expedite evaluations, identify similar precedents for drone operations, and recognize operations with enough safety data that could be risk-based for approval without individualized waivers.
**Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing iPilot Program**
The order also lays the groundwork for an Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program designed to accelerate the deployment of eVTOL operations.
The FAA, in coordination with the Office of Science and Technology Policy, is to request proposals from various governmental bodies and private partners within 90 days.
Five pilot projects are to be selected that demonstrate operational plans, including medical responses and cargo transport, which show a partnership with American-based eVTOL developers.
**Strengthening the American Drone Industrial Base**
A significant focus of the executive order is to bolster the American drone manufacturing industry.
All agencies are instructed to prioritize UAS manufactured in the United States over foreign alternatives whenever possible.
To protect the integrity of the drone supply chain, the Federal Acquisition Security Council is to establish a Covered Foreign Entity List identifying companies that pose supply chain risks.
**International Export of American-Made Drones**
Additionally, the order emphasizes the need to promote the export of American-made drones.
The Secretary of Commerce, in collaboration with other federal departments, is to review export control regulations to expedite the process for U.S.-manufactured civil UAS.
This initiative will ensure that exports to non-adversary countries are facilitated while minimizing risks of diversion to programs of concern.
**Military Implications**
The order has direct implications for the military sector, as it pushes for the Department of Defense to procure drones manufactured domestically.
The Secretary of Defense is directed to ensure that platforms on the DIU’s Blue UAS List operate seamlessly within military installations.
Moreover, the Secretary is compelled to identify programs that could benefit from the integration of drones, seeking cost-efficient and lethal alternatives.
**Conclusion**
Through this executive order, President Donald Trump aims to position the United States as a leader in drone technology and operations.
The multifaceted approach outlined in the order will not only enhance domestic production but also expand the global presence of American-manufactured drone technologies.
As the U.S. continues to embrace drone technology, this order establishes foundational steps toward economic growth, innovation, and national security rooted in advanced aerial capabilities.
image source from：https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/06/unleashing-american-drone-dominance/
