Unleashing American Drone Dominance

On June 6, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed the executive order “Unleashing American Drone Dominance”, marking a major shift in U.S. drone policy and signaling a renewed focus on advancing domestic drone innovation, manufacturing, and global competitiveness. The order directs multiple federal agencies to accelerate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) rulemaking, integrate artificial intelligence into FAA waiver processes, and establish a new eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) to fast-track next-generation aerial mobility. It also mandates stronger support for U.S.-made drones in federal procurement and export policy, while taking aim at foreign security risks in the drone supply chain. According to the White House, this policy aims to “reclaim American leadership in advanced aviation technologies” and ensure the safe, secure, and innovative integration of drones into the national airspace.

1. Vision & Purpose

Drones—or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)—are revolutionizing aviation, powering innovation across logistics, infrastructure inspection, precision agriculture, emergency response, public safety, and even next-gen air mobility via electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles. The executive order aims to fast-track U.S. leadership in this space by integrating drones safely into our national airspace and boosting domestic drone production and export markets

2. Key Objectives

  • Fast-track BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) rules: FAA is tasked to propose BVLOS drone regulations within 30 days; target final rule within 240 days.

  • AI-powered waiver streamlining: Starting in 120 days, the FAA will use AI to speed up waiver applications, risk assessment, and rulemaking.

  • Updated integration roadmap: A refreshed plan for integrating civil drones into national airspace is due within 240 days.

3. eVTOL Pilot Program

  • Launches an eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) styled after the BEYOND initiative.

  • Timeline: RFP in 90 days, selection of at least five pilot projects within the next 180 days.

  • Goals: Scale applications like cargo delivery, medical transport, and rural connectivity.

  • Duration & Reporting: Program runs for 3 years after the first launch, with initial and annual reports feeding future regulation.

4. Building a Strong U.S. Drone Base

  • Federal agencies must prioritize U.S.-made drones.

  • Supply chain protection: Federal Acquisition Security Council to publish a list of risky foreign entities within 30 days; Commerce Department to secure drone supply chain by proposing rulemaking and investigations within 90 days

5. Boosting Exports & Global Market Reach

  • Commerce, State, Defense, Energy Departments to review export rules to accelerate trusted U.S. drone sales abroad (excluding adversaries) within 90 days.

  • Export promotion gets elevated status and enhanced coordination: loans, insurance, market access incentives, grants, etc.

6. Supporting U.S. Military & National Security

  • DoD to prioritize U.S.-built drones, ensure compatibility with its “Blue UAS List”, and expand training and spectrum access within 90 days.

  • The military assesses programs suitable for drone replacement and reports on them.

Final Take

This executive order represents a bold commitment by the U.S. government to position America at the forefront of drone technology—putting innovation, national security, and economic leadership into high gear.