Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty

6/6/2025

Executive Orders

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Action Summary

Purpose: Enhance public safety and preserve U.S. airspace sovereignty by addressing the weaponization and misuse of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) by criminals, terrorists, and hostile actors.
Definitions: Clarifies terms for UAS, critical infrastructure (as defined by relevant statutes and National Security Memorandum 22), and Sector Risk Management Agency (SRMA).
National Policy: Establishes strict control over national airspace to protect public safety, critical infrastructure, mass gatherings, and military installations from unauthorized or dangerous UAS activities.
Task Force Establishment: Creates the Federal Task Force to Restore American Airspace Sovereignty. Chaired by the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA) or designee, this Task Force will review, propose, and recommend solutions to emerging UAS threats.
FAA Regulatory Actions:
- Prompt submission of a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for restricting drone flights, especially around fixed-site facilities and critical infrastructure.
- Final rule promulgation following NPRM publication, along with national security assessments and publication of online Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) for drone geofencing.
Law Enforcement and Enforcement Enhancements:
- Attorney General to enforce civil and criminal laws for UAS violations and, in coordination with the FAA, propose legislative changes to criminal penalties.
- Ensures SLTT agencies can access grants for acquiring detection and identification technologies for drones.
Detection and Tracking Capabilities:
- Utilization of existing authorities to detect, track, and identify drones and their signals, while maintaining Fourth Amendment and privacy protections.
- Revision of existing federal advisories and providing automated real-time access to UAS remote identification data with necessary safeguards.
Assessment of Protected Facilities: A coordinated review by the Secretary of Homeland Security, Attorney General, and other key officials to determine if certain borders, airports, federal facilities, and military installations should receive additional protections.
Counter-UAS Capacity Building:
- Integration of counter-UAS measures into Joint Terrorism Task Forces to secure mass gathering events.
- Implementation of recommendations for establishing a National Training Center for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems, focusing on training for major events (e.g., FIFA World Cup 2026, 2028 Summer Olympics).
General Provisions:
- Ensures that existing departmental authorities are not impaired and that the order is subject to applicable law and funding availability.
- Stipulates that no party gains enforceable rights from this order and assigns publication costs to the Department of Transportation.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order on restoring American airspace sovereignty introduces stringent regulations on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), which could impact research and development activities at Vanderbilt University involving drone technology.
There is a potential risk of increased compliance requirements for any university projects that involve UAS, particularly those related to critical infrastructure or public safety.
The establishment of a Federal Task Force and new airspace regulations may lead to additional oversight and restrictions on drone usage, affecting academic freedom and innovation in related fields.
Vanderbilt University may need to reassess its partnerships and collaborations with federal agencies and private sector entities involved in UAS technology to ensure alignment with the new regulatory framework.

Impacted Programs

School of Engineering at Vanderbilt may face challenges in conducting research involving drones, necessitating adjustments to comply with new airspace regulations and security measures.
Vanderbilt Institute for Space and Defense Electronics could see increased demand for expertise in drone detection and counter-UAS technologies, presenting opportunities for research and development.
The Office of Research may need to implement new compliance protocols to ensure that all UAS-related projects adhere to federal regulations and guidelines.
Vanderbilt’s collaborations with government agencies on UAS projects may require renegotiation to align with the new policies and security requirements.

Financial Impact

The Executive Order could lead to increased costs for compliance and security measures related to UAS research and operations at Vanderbilt University.
There may be opportunities for securing federal grants and funding for projects focused on counter-UAS technologies and airspace security, which could offset some of the financial impacts.
Vanderbilt may need to invest in new technologies and training to ensure compliance with the enhanced airspace sovereignty measures, impacting budget allocations for research and development.
Potential changes in federal funding priorities could affect the availability of grants for UAS-related research, necessitating strategic adjustments in grant application processes.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential impacts on research and development activities.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Department of Engineering should explore research opportunities in drone detection and counter-UAS technologies. By collaborating with federal agencies and private sector partners, the department can contribute to the development of innovative solutions for airspace security, potentially securing research funding and enhancing its reputation in aerospace engineering.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in airspace regulations and engage with policymakers to ensure that Vanderbilt’s interests are represented in discussions about UAS policies. This proactive engagement can help the university anticipate regulatory changes and adapt its research and educational programs accordingly.
Vanderbilt’s Law School should consider offering courses or seminars on the legal implications of UAS technologies and airspace sovereignty. By educating future legal professionals on these emerging issues, the law school can position itself as a leader in technology law and policy.
The Vanderbilt Institute for Public Policy Studies should conduct research on the societal impacts of UAS regulations, including privacy concerns and the balance between security and civil liberties. This research can inform public discourse and policy development, enhancing Vanderbilt’s role as a thought leader in public policy.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Emergency Preparedness should assess the potential risks posed by unauthorized UAS flights over campus and develop response protocols in coordination with local law enforcement and federal agencies. This preparation will ensure the safety and security of the university community.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering to expand its research in drone technology and airspace management. By leveraging its expertise, the school can contribute to national efforts to enhance airspace security and potentially influence policy development.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on airspace sovereignty by developing partnerships with federal agencies and private companies involved in UAS technology. These collaborations could lead to joint research initiatives, funding opportunities, and enhanced educational programs.
The emphasis on protecting critical infrastructure offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization to engage in technology development and commercialization efforts related to UAS detection and countermeasures. By providing innovative solutions, the center can contribute to national security and economic growth.
By engaging with the broader technology and policy community, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the national conversation on UAS regulation and airspace security. Hosting conferences, workshops, and public forums on these topics can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for innovative thought and practice.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents the potential for major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s programs due to impacts on research and policy engagement.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.8

Timeline for Implementation

30 days – Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security must ensure that their grant programs permit eligible SLTT agencies to receive grants for UAS detection and related equipment.
30 days – Attorney General, Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Homeland Security, and FCC are required to revise the August 2020 Advisory on detecting and mitigating UAS threats.
30 days – Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security shall explore integrating counter-UAS operational responses in Joint Terrorism Task Forces for mass gathering events.
60 days – FAA Administrator must provide automated real-time access to PII related to UAS remote identification signals; similarly, DHS and FAA, in coordination with other SRMAs, must publish guidance for private critical infrastructure on UAS detection.
90 days – Secretary of Homeland Security and Attorney General, in coordination with other secretaries, are to submit recommendations on further protecting key facilities including borders, airports, and military installations.
180 days – FAA is required to make available online Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) for drone operations.

Note: The shortest timeline among these directives is 30 days.

Relevance Score: 4

Impacted Government Organizations

Federal Task Force to Restore American Airspace Sovereignty: A newly established multi-agency task force chaired by the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, coordinating national responses to UAS threats.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Directed to issue rulemaking and provide real-time access to UAS-related data, as well as regulate drone flight paths and Notices to Airmen.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Involved in the review of proposed rulemaking and oversight functions related to drone flight restrictions and budgetary considerations.
Department of Defense (DoD): Tasked with coordination on national security and risk management assessments for UAS incursions, particularly regarding military installations.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Charged with ensuring airspace security, revising relevant advisories, and facilitating grant programs for detection and counter-UAS measures.
Department of Justice (Attorney General): Responsible for enforcing applicable civil and criminal laws against unlawful drone operations and coordinating legislative proposals for strengthened penalties.
Department of Transportation (Secretary of Transportation): Implicated through directives to coordinate with the FAA and enhance the integration of UAS tracking and navigation safety measures.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Required to revise advisory guidelines on detecting and mitigating UAS, in coordination with other agencies.
Sector Risk Management Agencies (SRMA): Identified as key partners in risk assessments and operational responses to UAS threats, especially involving critical infrastructure.
Joint Terrorism Task Forces: Directed to explore integration of counter-UAS responses for the protection of mass gathering events.

Relevance Score: 3 (A moderate number of Federal agencies are impacted by this directive.)

Responsible Officials

Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA) – Chairs the Federal Task Force to Restore American Airspace Sovereignty and coordinates with principals from relevant executive departments.
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – Responsible for submitting a notice of proposed rulemaking to the OMB and Task Force, promulgating drone-related airspace regulations, and providing real-time access to drone identification information.
Attorney General – Charged with enforcing civil and criminal laws against unlawful drone operations, submitting legislative proposals, revising guidelines related to drone detection, and coordinating counter-UAS capabilities.
Secretary of Homeland Security – Works with the FAA, Attorney General, and other officials to ensure grant programs support SLTT agencies and to implement drone detection and tracking guidance, as well as exploring integration with Joint Terrorism Task Forces.
Secretary of Transportation – Collaborates to update federal advisory guidelines and supports drone detection measures through coordination with the FAA.
Secretary of Defense – Provides coordination, especially when military installations and operations are implicated in drone incursions and related assessments.
Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – Participates in revising the advisory on technology for drone detection and mitigation, ensuring regulatory alignment with current developments.
Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) – Plays a role in the review of the notice of proposed rulemaking and in implementing recommendations for establishing the National Training Center for Counter-UAS.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directs high-level Cabinet officials and agency heads with extensive strategic and national security responsibilities.)