Red Tape? More Like Shred Tape—Drones Are Go
Sweeping U.S. policy reforms unlock massive opportunities for American drone companies as defense priorities shift into high gear

On July 16, 2025, the White House and Department of Defense rolled out sweeping policy changes to supercharge American drone production, strip away decades-old red tape, and thrust U.S. drone capabilities into a dominant global position. The effort is spearheaded by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who, in a dramatic video flanked by autonomous aircraft, declared the United States is done playing catch-up.
The Pentagon’s new directive fast-tracks domestic drone development, procurement, and operator training. No more waiting on endless certifications or outdated procurement hurdles. The executive mandate enables military branches to move quickly with U.S.-made UAV systems, making drone production faster, leaner, and far more responsive to today’s security threats.
The Executive Order issued on June 6, 2025, delivers direct instructions to the Department of Defense. Within 90 days, the Secretary of Defense must work with the FAA to open more airspace for drone training and with the FCC to eliminate electromagnetic spectrum barriers. The message is not subtle. The United States is mobilizing, and drones are now a national security cornerstone.
