Trump Imposes 100% Drone Tariffs, Mandates Steam Catapults on US Carriers
US President Donald Trump signed proclamations imposing tariffs of up to 100% on imported drones and components, citing national security concerns. The order also directs the Navy to replace electromagnetic aircraft launch systems with traditional steam and hydraulic systems, and allows limited foreign shipbuilding to bridge capacity gaps. These measures aim to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains and restore domestic defense production capabilities.
