Trump signs order to boost US drone exports and ease flight rules

President Donald Trump
Reuters

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday to ease restrictions on American drones and help the industry compete with China.

The order directs the Federal Aviation Administration to speed up rules allowing drone operators to fly beyond line of sight for commercial and public safety missions. It also calls for using AI to speed up drone waiver approvals.

To support US drone makers, the order promotes exports while protecting technology from foreign exploitation, the White House said.

China’s growing drone industry has taken a lead in the global market, prompting this US push.

The order also launches a pilot program for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, supporting projects like cargo delivery and medical response.

In addition to drones, Trump signed three other orders behind closed doors — including one to lift the ban on flying supersonic aircraft over land by replacing noise rules, aiming to revive US leadership in supersonic flight.

Other orders focus on strengthening US cybersecurity and securing American airspace.

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