In Brief: President Trump Deregulates Commercial Drones, Spurring Security Concerns
President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at easing regulations for commercial drones, flying cars, and supersonic jets, promoting “airspace sovereignty.” However, national security experts warn that relaxing restrictions could accelerate the weaponization of drone technology, potentially increasing risks such as surveillance, terrorism, and swarm attacks on critical U.S. infrastructure.
Drone Weaponization on the Rise
Commercial drones are increasingly being utilized as low-cost, effective weapons in conflicts globally. From insurgent groups in Africa and the Middle East to attacks in the Middle East and the deadly incident off Malta involving a boat carrying activists, drone strikes continue to escalate.
Recent examples include:
- January 2024: Iraq’s Islamic Resistance attacked a U.S. outpost in Jordan using drones.
- May 2024: Sudanese insurgent group RSF attacked an airport in Sudan with drones.
- May 2024: Drones fired from two separate launches damaged a boat off Malta’s coast.
Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb Demonstrates Power
Ukraine’s Operation Spider Web in June utilized 117 modified commercial quadcopters, guided via AI and first-person view systems, to damage Russian aircraft at multiple airbases. This “Swarm” attack, facilitated by cheap off-the-shelf drones, highlights the strategic potential of low-cost drone warfare.
Israel Lends its Own Drone Technology
In Operation Rising Lion, Israel reportedly utilized drones smuggled by Mossad into Iran to target missile launchers aimed at the country.
Experts Sound Alarm on U.S.
Security leaders warn that weaponized drone swarms pose a significant threat to U.S. soil, particularly to critical infrastructure like ports, refineries, and data centers. Local agencies often lack the tools or legal authority to counter these cheap, effective attacks effectively.
Industry figures, like Eric Brock, CEO of Ondas Holdings, acknowledge the need for regulation despite deregulation efforts, citing expansion of flight-restricted zones and the establishment of training centers as positive steps. However, both he and Grant Jordan, CEO of SkySafe, emphasize the persistent public concerns about drones – unlike traditional aircraft, drone operators are often anonymous and purposes unknown.
Weighing Benefits Against Risks
While drones offer benefits like disaster relief and precision farming, experts stress the importance of responsibility alongside deployment. “With increased deployment must come increased responsibility,” noted Eric Brock.
