Protecting the United States From Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems

2021-01-22Executive Order 13981
Signed by: Donald Trump
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Headline: Requires Review to Limit Federal Purchase of Foreign-Made Drones

What it does: Agencies must review and report on use and procurement of foreign-made drones and plan to replace or remove risky systems.

Real World Impact:
  • Agencies may cease buying covered foreign-made drones for federal use.
  • Federal agencies may need to replace and fund removal of risky drones.
  • The agency that manages civil aviation must propose rules limiting drones over critical sites.
Topics: drones, government procurement, critical infrastructure, national security, federal budgeting

Summary

This order directs federal agencies to review and limit their use and purchase of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) made by, or containing parts from, foreign adversaries. Agencies must report what UAS they own or control and whether they can stop buying or funding such systems. The agency that manages civil aviation must propose rules limiting drone operations near critical infrastructure, and budget offices must prioritize replacing risky systems to protect national security and sensitive data.

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