President Donald Trump signs two new executive orders targeting strengthening the U.S. drone industry while beefing up security measures against malicious drone activities. These orders stop short of banning Chinese drone companies like DJI or Autel outright, but they set clear signals about the U.S. stance on foreign-made drones and national security risks.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
The executive orders create a framework designed to secure U.S. airspace from hostile drone operations. They ask the Federal Acquisition Security Council to compile a “Covered Foreign Entity List,” potentially including companies such as DJI and Autel, which have been flagged for supply chain and security concerns.
Last year, DJI and other Chinese firms were added to the U.S. Treasury’s list of entities associated with the Chinese Military-Industrial Complex, which restricts technology exports from U.S. companies to these firms. DJI contests this designation, engaging in a legal battle over accusations of national security concerns.
In addition, the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act requires the U.S. government to assess whether communication and surveillance equipment from DJI and Autel pose unacceptable risks. The deadline for this review is December 23, 2024. If no action occurs by then, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will automatically add their products to a banned list.
DJI responded positively to the orders, indicating their commitment to privacy and security features. They also support a key provision allowing commercial drone flights beyond the operator’s line of sight — an act set to revolutionize drone use in public safety and commercial settings. The FAA will issue a proposed rule within 30 days and a final rule within 240 days.
Securing U.S. Airspace: Sporting Events in Focus
The White House stresses that drones pose rising threats from criminals, terrorists, and hostile foreign actors. They highlight incidents where drug cartels use drones for smuggling, prisons face contraband deliveries via drones, and law enforcement is surveilled illegally.
The executive order calls for the creation of a Federal Task Force dedicated to restoring American airspace sovereignty by developing new solutions to combat drone threats.
This task force will also coordinate efforts to protect high-profile events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 2028 Summer Olympics. The National Football League (NFL) applauds the order, describing it as a crucial step to prevent drones from disrupting games. Unauthorized drone activity over NFL games increased by 20,000% between 2017 and 2023, resulting in some delays.
Boosting American Drones and Exports
The executive orders also promote U.S.-made drones, instructing agencies to prioritize domestic unmanned aerial systems over foreign products. This push benefits American manufacturers, such as Skydio, by enhancing their market position.
Additionally, Trump directs the government to amend export controls within 90 days to accelerate U.S. drone exports to allies and partners worldwide, strengthening America’s drone industry influence globally.
TF Summary: What’s Next
These executive orders author a new chapter in U.S. drone oversight. Considering national security in the context of growth, the government attempts to secure the skies while supporting domestic innovation. The upcoming FAA rules on beyond-line-of-sight flights will open up new commercial and public safety uses for drones.
The Federal Task Force’s work to safeguard important events from drone threats sets a strong precedent for protecting U.S. airspace. American drone manufacturers are poised to benefit from prioritized government support and increased export opportunities. Overall, these actions could reimagine how drones operate and influence both national security and the global drone market.
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