Former US President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders on Friday aimed at accelerating drone autonomy, reviving supersonic commercial flight, and reducing technological reliance on China. The announcement, made at the White House, represents a strategic convergence of national security, sustainable innovation, and airspace modernisation.
At the core of these policy directives is a shift that will allow drones to fly beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) of their operators — a pivotal change that enables nationwide commercial drone delivery operations. Industry experts have long regarded BVLOS as the final regulatory barrier before the widespread adoption of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for logistics, agriculture, public safety, and infrastructure monitoring.The executive orders come amid heightened concerns over the increasing number of unauthorised drone sightings near airports, large public gatherings, and sensitive facilities. To address this, Trump’s directives call for the formation of a federal task force that will be responsible for expanding drone detection capabilities, securing airspace around critical infrastructure, and supporting law enforcement with real-time surveillance tools.
Officials linked the urgency of the initiative to recent global events. The Russia-Ukraine war has demonstrated the destructive potential of drones in conflict zones, while domestic sporting events and airports have seen drone-related security breaches. The task force, supported by the FAA and the Department of Homeland Security, aims to mitigate both criminal and accidental threats in the sky.Another key feature of the policy is its focus on electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft — essentially air taxis powered by electricity, designed for short urban flights. Companies such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation, both pioneers in zero-emissions aerial mobility, are expected to benefit from fast-tracked approval processes and expanded test zones. The development ties into broader federal efforts to support carbon-neutral transport systems and reduce congestion on urban road networks.
Trump’s orders also reframe America’s approach to supersonic passenger flight. For the first time in over five decades, the FAA has been instructed to lift the 1973 ban on overland supersonic travel, provided the aircraft involved do not create audible sonic booms on the ground. The shift is seen as a green light for new-generation aerospace companies like Boom Supersonic, which is developing quieter, faster aircraft designed to cut transcontinental flight times in half.Environmental concerns around supersonic travel — particularly regarding higher per-passenger fuel burn — have not been ignored. Officials argue that new propulsion systems, coupled with innovations in material science and aerodynamics, can ensure compliance with modern sustainability benchmarks.
In terms of geopolitical intent, the orders fall short of explicitly banning Chinese drone manufacturers, but the message is clear. Companies like DJI and Autel Robotics — which together dominate the US commercial drone market — are likely to face increased scrutiny. The move aligns with prior legislative actions and reinforces the push to build a domestic drone manufacturing base, safeguarding critical sectors from foreign dependency.
By merging advanced aviation technologies with strategic autonomy and national security, the orders represent a bid to reassert America’s leadership in aerospace. The vision set forth by the administration is one of a high-speed, sustainable, and secure future in the skies — where next-generation innovation is American-made, environmentally responsible, and resilient against emerging threats.
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