WASHINGTON (CP) – President Donald Trump signed a comprehensive executive order Friday directing federal agencies to accelerate domestic drone technology and reduce foreign dependency, establishing new guidelines to boost American manufacturing while strengthening national security through enhanced airspace protection.
President Trump issued the “Unleashing American Drone Dominance” executive order on June 6, 2025, targeting expanded commercial drone operations and military applications. The directive instructs the Federal Aviation Administration to enable routine “Beyond Visual Line of Sight” operations within 30 days, allowing drones to fly farther than operators can see. The order establishes an electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing integration pilot program to accelerate deployment of safe vertical operations, selecting at least five pilot projects for applications including cargo transport and medical response. White House officials confirmed the measure aims to create high-skilled jobs while reshaping aviation industries from logistics to emergency response.
The administration emphasized reducing reliance on foreign drone manufacturers, particularly Chinese companies like DJI, which currently dominates the American consumer market. The executive orders direct the federal government to prioritize American-manufactured drones and could lead to restrictions on Chinese companies selling new models in the United States. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced expanded access to military installations for approved domestic drone systems, while the Commerce Department received instructions to secure supply chains against foreign exploitation. The order supports military applications by streamlining approval processes for training operations and expanding the Defense Innovation Unit’s approved drone list.
The measures come as officials prepare for major events including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics, with the administration establishing a Federal Task Force to address growing security threats from criminal and terrorist drone misuse. Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, stated that taking action on airspace security has never been more timely given these upcoming large-scale public events. The order also directs agencies to explore integrating counter-drone operations with Joint Terrorism Task Forces while creating a National Training Center for Counter-UAS capabilities. Industry groups praised the comprehensive approach, with the Commercial Drone Alliance calling it a framework to advance American leadership into the next century of flight.