Trump’s drone directives win US industry support but questions remain over ability to challenge Chinese market dominance
Demonstration of a swarm of UAS at Fort Huachuca. (Photo: US Army)
New presidential directives for UAV production are intended to remove bureaucratic barriers and support suppliers.
Reducing regulatory barriers, enhancing the production and export of advanced drones and counter-UAS (CUAS) capabilities, and prioritising US-made UAVs are among the main goals of two Executive Orders (EOs) issued by the Trump administration last week.
Although the implementation of those presidential directives left a number of unanswered questions, the EOs were welcomed by US-based drone suppliers who spoke to Shephard.
“We understand that this administration and the Pentagon realise how important drones are to warfare and is going to look at ways to make sure companies have the resources to build drones,” remarked Jeff Thompson, CEO unmanned platforms manufacturer RedCat.
Matt McCrann,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![India fast-tracks helicopter procurement with dual RFIs for 276 platforms]()
India fast-tracks helicopter procurement with dual RFIs for 276 platforms
India has issued urgent RFIs for more than 270 reconnaissance, surveillance and utility helicopters across its services, signalling a systemic overhaul of rotary-wing capabilities with a renewed emphasis on indigenous production and technology transfer.
-
![DSEI 2025: Saab unveils new CUAS missile solution to defeat UAS swarms]()
DSEI 2025: Saab unveils new CUAS missile solution to defeat UAS swarms
The Nimbrix missile has been developed and tested over the last year and is Saab’s latest cost-effective answer to help armed forces counteract escalating numbers of uncrewed aerial threats on the battlefield.
-
![US approves possible C-17 Globemaster III sustainment support sale to UK]()
US approves possible C-17 Globemaster III sustainment support sale to UK
The potential sustainment contract will help support the Royal Air Force (RAF) fleet, amid renewed interest from countries in the heavy-lift strategic aircraft.
-
![Will drone motherships form part of tomorrow’s warfare?]()
Will drone motherships form part of tomorrow’s warfare?
While motherships offer multiple operational advantages, the changes in the character of warfare may bring new tactics to the battlefield, reducing their role.
