President Trump is expected to ease rules for exports on some types of lethal U.S.-made drones to allies and partners, people familiar with the plan told Reuters.
Included in the new policy would be lower barriers o the sale of smaller hunter-killer drones that have fewer missiles and travel shorter distances. The export regulations for surveillance drones of all sizes would also be eased in this policy.
The White House will potentially tout the move as a way to create jobs and reduce the U.S. trade deficit.
The U.S. has been experiencing overseas competition in drone creation and sale by countries like China and Israel. These countries are often able to sell with lighter restriction and regulation, causing U.S. drone manufacturers to lobby harder recently for rule changes.
In the delayed new policy on unmanned military aircraft, which could possibly be rolled out before the end of the month, Trump would make it easier for the U.S. to export and sell the drones. The policy has been delayed for months as deliberations ensue over how far to go on easing drone export rules.
Human rights and arms control advocates have warned the move could fuel violence and instability in the Middle East and South Asia.
The administration’s new policy on drone exports would mark a major step towards overcoming the controversy against selling armed drones to countries other than the U.S.’s closest allies without completely opening up the sale of lethal drones.
