- September 5, 2025
- 9:36 pm
- Brief news
US President Donald Trump plans to revise the 1987 missile arms control treaty to simplify the export of heavy drones like the Reaper. This move, as noted by Reuters on September 5, 2025, citing an American official, opens up the possibility of selling more than a hundred MQ-9s to Saudi Arabia, which has been applying for procurement since spring 2025.
It is expected to be part of a $142 billion arms supply agreement announced in May. Requests are also coming from US allies in the Pacific and Europe.
Changes in Drone Sales Policy
The United States plans to qualify drones as aircraft, similar to F-16 fighters, which will allow avoiding the restrictions of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) for more than thirty countries. This will create opportunities for drone sales to the UAE and Eastern European countries, tempted by purchases of American high-tech equipment.
The innovations include allowing manufacturers such as General Atomics, Kratos, and Anduril to designate their products as “military products for foreign states.” Thus, the process of export sales will be simplified.
This step will mark the beginning of a major revision of the US foreign military equipment supply program.
Current Interpretation of MTCR
The current interpretation of the Missile Control Agreement implies that many military drones face a “strong presumption of denial” when sold, except in cases of providing compelling security reasons and agreeing to comply with international law. While the goal of the MTCR is to limit missile exports, drones, although they appeared later, also fall under its scope.
American drone manufacturers face stiff competition from Israeli, Chinese, and Turkish companies, which have less stringent prospects in international markets.
Competition in the Global Market
China and Israel have not signed the MTCR, allowing them to compete in the Middle East. Turkey, which signed the agreement in 1997, actively uses its Bayraktar-TB2 drones, making its offer more attractive against the backdrop of new standards.
In light of this, American drones are not supplied to Ukraine, unlike Iranian and Russian ones, due to fears of complex technologies falling into enemy hands. The global struggle for market share is becoming increasingly fierce, as drones are perceived as an important element of modern warfare.
US Positions and New Leadership
According to the official, the reimagined approach will allow the US to establish itself as a leading drone supplier, avoiding competition from Turkey and China. The date for the introduction of new rules has not yet been determined, but updates are expected in the coming months as the administration actively works on their implementation.
Trump Reimagines Missile Treaty for Drone Exports
The new principles suggest benefits for jet-powered drone manufacturers developing technology for joint use with manned fighters, opening up a new market. However, all drone sales continue to go through procedures that consider regional dynamics and human rights.
Prospects for Sale to Saudi Arabia
After the revision, the first significant drone sale to Saudi Arabia is expected. Previously, the Joe Biden administration opposed sales due to the Saudi army’s use of American weapons in Yemen, which caused significant harm to the civilian population. However, recent events, including the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, have accelerated rapprochement with Riyadh.
This step can be positioned as part of a broader initiative to create jobs and reduce the trade deficit. Nevertheless, human rights experts warn that this could lead to an escalation of violence and instability in the Middle East and South Asia.
Changes in Assistance to European Countries
In addition, the United States plans to gradually end military assistance programs for European countries on the borders with Russia, indicating the need to redistribute these expenses to European countries. The significance of these changes is a priority for future defense productivity policy and enhanced work with allies.
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