On June 6th, US President Trump signed three executive orders, initiating actions to rebuild airspace sovereignty, promote aviation innovation, and reduce the country’s dependence on China. The White House stated that this move would strengthen America’s dominance in the fields of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), electric air vehicles, and supersonic flight, ensuring control of US airspace.
In his orders, President Trump emphasized, “We will empower engineers, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to create a faster, quieter, safer, and more efficient new generation of aviation travel.”
According to the executive order titled “Unleashing American Drone Dominance,” the Trump administration will push for the legalization of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for drones, with the Department of Transportation required to draft a proposal within 30 days and establish final rules within 240 days.
The executive order also calls for the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to expedite commercial exemptions review processes and expand the use of drones in cargo transportation and public safety sectors.
Furthermore, addressing emerging technologies like electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the executive order mandates the Department of Transportation to select at least 5 “Integrated Pilot Program Sites” within 180 days of the announcement, prioritizing multi-purpose aircraft with medical emergency capabilities, rural connectivity, and advanced air mobility potential.
The White House stated that the US must accelerate the commercialization of domestic drone technology, integrate it into the national airspace system, break free from external dependencies, and ensure that this critical technology is “controlled by the American people.”
Within the executive order, Trump also emphasized the establishment of a drone industry system centered around “Made in America.” The order requires federal agencies to “prioritize the use of domestically manufactured UAS” and instructs the Federal Procurement Security Council to publish a “Controlled Foreign Entity List” within 30 days to prevent hostile countries from infiltrating US technology supply chains.
The Department of Commerce is required to formulate regulations and conduct investigations within 90 days to ensure that key components are not under foreign control.
Regarding exports, the executive order seeks to expedite the foreign sales of US-made civilian drones, listing them as a federal export promotion priority and coordinating various tools such as financing, insurance, subsidies, and market access assistance across agencies.
Internally, the order directs the Department of Defense to expand the “Blue UAS List” to prioritize the purchase of domestically produced drones that comply with Section 848 of the National Defense Authorization Act, with the list to be updated monthly.
Trump emphasized, “Building a robust and secure domestic drone industry is crucial for reducing external dependencies and strengthening critical supply chains.”
To address threats from illegal drones and foreign misuse, Trump signed the executive order “Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty,” establishing a federal task force led by the National Security Advisor to coordinate airspace protection measures.
The order highlights that drones have been utilized by criminal organizations and hostile forces for smuggling fentanyl, monitoring law enforcement, and even disrupting public gatherings and military facilities.
The executive order instructs the FAA to streamline flight restriction procedures and requires the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security to support local governments in deploying detection and tracking equipment, while incorporating anti-drone missions into joint counterterrorism task forces.
The Trump administration also plans to establish a “National Anti-Drone System Training Center,” with initial training focusing on ensuring airspace security for major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, stated, “We are safeguarding our homeland from the air, especially as major events like the Olympics and World Cup approach.”
The issue of drones garnered attention in New Jersey last year, with a series of suspected drone sightings in the area. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) receives over 100 reports of drone sightings near airports on average each month. Drones have frequently disrupted flights and sporting events.
The third executive order signed by Trump, “Leading the World in Supersonic Flight,” abolishes the federal ban on domestic supersonic flight that has been in place since 1973.
The order requires the FAA to complete regulations repeal within 180 days and establish interim noise standards, certifying models that do not produce audible sonic booms on the ground.
The executive order also instructs the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to collaborate with agencies such as NASA, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Defense to promote noise reduction technology development and share testing data, while coordinating regulatory standards with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and foreign regulatory bodies.
The White House stated that outdated and overly strict regulations stifle American innovation, weaken global competitiveness, and cede leadership to foreign competitors. With advancements in aerospace engineering, material science, and noise suppression technology, this “historic national action” will position the US as an undisputed leader in high-speed aerospace once again.