Trump Boosts US Drone Industry, Against China's Domination

JAKARTA US President Donald Trump signed an important executive order on Friday 6 June aimed at accelerating the growth of the domestic drone industry while strengthening US positions in the global market now dominated by China.

The order instructs the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) to immediately formulate new rules that allow the operation of drones beyond the line of sight (BVLOS), both for commercial missions and public safety. This is a major breakthrough in the development of unmanned aircraft (drone) technology in the US.

"This move not only strengthens the domestic drone industry, but also opens the way for larger exports and protects technology from foreign exploitation," the White House said in a statement.

Trump also ordered the FAA to start implementing artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up the drone permit approval process, which has been considered slow and hindering innovation.

In its official statement, the White House stressed that this decision was taken due to China's increasing dominance in the global drone industry. The Bamboo Curtain country has built a massive drone production and export network, thus suppressing the market share of US manufacturers.

Trump stated that the US would not remain silent seeing this strategic industry controlled by foreign countries, especially by major geopolitical enemies like China.

EVTOL And Supersonics Also Regulated

Not only about drones, but this executive order also includes accelerating the adoption of electric-based vertical flying vehicles or electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL). The FAA is required to select at least five pilot projects to develop the use of eVTOL for logistics, emergency medical services, and other sectors.

In addition, Trump lifted the ban on supersonic flights over land that had been in effect for decades. Related officials are now required to set temporary noise standards, with the hope that US companies will again lead the development of supersonic aircraft.

The White House called the revocation of this old rule "the end of the regulations that curbed it for decades," and directed the National Science and Technology Council to strengthen research and development in this area.

Two other orders Trump has signed behind closed doors focus on strengthening national cybersecurity and safeguarding the sovereignty of the United States airspace from potential threats, both from state and non-state actors.

With these four orders, Trump sends a strong signal that his government will encourage high-tech innovation, as well as strengthen the United States' position in global competition, especially facing a technological revival from China.