The White House has issued new executive orders aimed at fast-tracking the development, deployment, and regulation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with a strong emphasis on prioritizing American-made technologies.
According to the order, drones are already revolutionizing various sectors—including logistics, infrastructure inspection, precision agriculture, emergency response, and public safety. Meanwhile, emerging eVTOL technologies are poised to modernize cargo delivery, passenger transport, and other advanced air mobility solutions.
America-First Focus to Strengthen Domestic Supply Chains
Reflecting the administration’s commitment to America-first policies, the orders place U.S.-manufactured drones and components at the center of the initiative. The strategy aims to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, secure critical supply chains, and expand domestic production capabilities to meet both national needs and global demand.
Enabling Routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Operations
A key component of the plan is accelerating the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) regulatory progress to enable routine beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flights. The FAA is tasked with leveraging existing UAS test ranges and established safety metrics to facilitate BVLOS integration into the national airspace.
The FAA will also revise its integration roadmap to emphasize BVLOS, autonomous drone operations, and advanced air mobility (AAM) applications, supporting a safer and more efficient drone ecosystem.
New eVTOL Integration Pilot Program
The orders launch an eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), expanding on the existing BEYOND initiative. The eIPP will back at least five public-private partnerships featuring U.S.-developed eVTOL technologies. The findings will inform regulatory frameworks to ensure safe, scalable eVTOL operations nationwide.
National Security and Supply Chain Safeguards
National security remains a core priority. Federal agencies are instructed to favor American-made drones over foreign options, intensify scrutiny of high-risk suppliers, and shield critical drone components from foreign interference. A “Covered Foreign Entity List” will identify suppliers posing potential risks, while new regulations will reinforce supply chain security.
On the defense side, the Department of Defense will investigate how drone technology can bolster military capabilities, while trade and development agencies will expedite exports of U.S.-made civil drones to allied countries.
Federal Task Force to Protect U.S. Airspace
To safeguard national airspace, the executive orders establish a Federal Task Force dedicated to “restoring American airspace sovereignty.” This group will assess drone-related threats and propose measures such as restricting drone operations near sensitive locations and critical infrastructure.
Industry Reaction
Industry leaders have welcomed the initiative as a significant step forward. Adam Bercu, CEO of Guardian Agriculture, praised the focus on American-made drone technology, stating, “Prioritizing American-made drones for regulatory approvals aligns national security with industrial policy. This sends a clear signal: the U.S. is serious about rebuilding domestic manufacturing capacity in critical tech sectors. This is a solid first step toward making the U.S. the leader in drone technology again.”
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