The current US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on the inadmissibility of government procurement of unmanned aerial vehicles from Russia, Iran, China and North Korea. The document was published on the White House website.
In the decree, these countries are called political “opponents” of the United States. The list also includes other states or non-governmental organizations involved in schemes that allegedly threaten the national and economic security of the United States.
“Unmanned aerial vehicles are used by our law enforcement agencies and to provide assistance in natural disasters. The use of vehicles manufactured by our opponents threatens national and economic security,” the decree says.
The document also notes that the United States government’s drone operations are related to the collection and storage of confidential information, and Washington’s policy is to prevent taxpayer funds from being used to purchase vehicles that pose a threat to national security.
Earlier, Trump ordered to reduce government purchases from China out of fears that Chinese manufacturers are helping their country’s military. According to Trump’s order, ministries and departments should consider laws, regulations and rules and proposed changes, “including possible executive orders, to minimize the purchase of goods and services from the PRC by the federal government.