Donald Trump moves to block foreign drone makers from selling new models in US
US President
Donald Trump has signed executive orders meant to rebuild America's drone industry, tighten airspace security and boost military readiness, potentially squeezing Chinese manufacturers like
DJI and Autel Robotics out of the market.
'Immediate action is needed to ensure American sovereignty over its skies,' Trump stated in one of the orders, warning that foreign-made drones were 'endangering the public' and compromising critical infrastructure.
The orders also call for federal investment in US drone production to rebuild a domestic sector that has been eclipsed by Chinese competition.
They come after years of mounting concern in Washington over Chinese drone makers like DJI and Autel, which dominate the US commercial market.
While the new directives did not name specific countries or companies, they expand on earlier efforts to restrict drones linked to foreign adversaries.
A drone by Autel Robotics, a Chinese manufacturer, is operated in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Reuters
Based in Shenzhen, DJI controls up to 90 per cent of America's consumer drone market and 70 per cent globally, according to industry estimates cited in a US government-commissioned report.
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