President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing new tariffs on certain drones and drone components, citing national security concerns related to foreign supply chains and the need to strengthen U.S. drone manufacturing capabilities.
The White House said the measures are intended to support the domestic drone industry, reduce reliance on foreign sources for critical unmanned aircraft system (UAS) components, and address cybersecurity and supply chain risks associated with imported drone technology.
Under the proclamation, a 100% tariff will apply to certain drones with sensitive national security characteristics, including drones with a maximum takeoff weight of more than 25 kilograms, drones equipped with thermal imaging capabilities, docking stations for those drones, and certain critical components.
A 25% tariff will apply to certain smaller drones that lack those specific capabilities, along with additional drone components.
The proclamation also establishes country-specific tariff rates for certain imports. Drones and components from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan will face a 15% tariff, while qualifying drones from the United Kingdom will face a 10% tariff if substantially all hardware, software, and technology originate from those countries or the United States.
The tariffs will take effect 21 days after the proclamation is signed. Tariffs on certain less-sensitive drone components will take effect after 180 days. The proclamation also includes provisions for products receiving approved exemptions through the Department of War and the Federal Communications Commission’s Covered List process.
The White House said the Commerce Department will establish an onshoring program to encourage companies to invest in U.S. manufacturing of drones and drone components.
The announcement highlights the growing role of drones in military operations, commercial applications, and critical infrastructure activities. The White House said foreign dependence for key UAS components creates potential national security and cybersecurity concerns and that expanding domestic production is a priority.
The action builds on previous administration efforts focused on domestic manufacturing and drone security, including a June 2025 executive order aimed at strengthening U.S. leadership in drone development, commercialization, and export while protecting technology from foreign influence.
The administration has also previously taken steps related to drone use and airspace security, including an executive order focused on addressing drone misuse and supporting secure U.S. airspace.
The new tariffs are part of a broader effort outlined by the White House to strengthen domestic industrial capacity and diversify supply chains for technologies considered important to national and economic security.
