WASHINGTON – United States (US) President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to ease restrictions on American drones and push for their wider export, as the country faces mounting competition from China.
The order, signed on Friday, directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to speed up new rules allowing drones to fly beyond the operator’s visual line of sight for commercial and public safety use.
It also instructs the FAA to use artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up reviews for drone waivers.
According to the White House, the move aims to support the US drone industry by promoting exports and protecting key technologies from foreign influence and exploitation.
The order also launches a pilot programme to integrate electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. At least five projects will be selected to test vertical operations for cargo and emergency services.
The drone order is one of four signed by Trump on the same day.
Another lifts a decades-old ban on flying supersonic aircraft overland. It calls for a new noise-based certification standard to help US firms regain leadership in supersonic flight.
The White House said the order would coordinate research and testing through the National Science and Technology Council, led by the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
The other two orders focus on strengthening US cybersecurity and protecting American airspace. – June 7, 2025