#United States #Washington #Drone Technology #USNDA #NDAA

USNDA Advocates for Advances in Drone Technology

In a significant development following the release of the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the United States National Drone Association (USNDA) has issued commendations and calls for enhanced congressional commitment towards improving the American drone industrial base. This move is a strategic response aimed at countering the growing influence of Chinese drone manufacturers in the U.S. market.

Nathan Ecelbarger, the official spokesperson for the USNDA, praised the efforts of key politicians, particularly U.S. Senator Rick Scott from Florida and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik from New York. Their leadership within the House and Senate Armed Services Committees has been instrumental in advocating for provisions that aim to diminish the impact of Chinese drone technology on American soil.

The new NDAA mandates that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) include all technology produced by major Chinese drone companies like DJI and Autel Robotics on their Covered List within a year. This means that unless deemed harmless by national security officials, new drone models from these companies will be barred from U.S. communications networks, effectively preventing their import into the country. This significant policy shift aims to boost national security while fostering the growth of domestic drone manufacturing.

Additionally, the NDAA directs the Department of Defense (DoD) to enhance the resilience of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) supply chains. The aim is to collaborate with the industry to expand the domestic production of sUAS components and develop a robust Resilient Supply Chain Strategy focused on local manufacturing. This comprehensive approach is seen as essential in responding to the global shift in drone utilization within military and civilian sectors.

As drones reshape the landscape of warfare and raise new national security concerns, Ecelbarger emphasized the urgency of shifting reliance away from Chinese drone technologies, suggesting that the U.S. has unknowingly allowed the proliferation of what he termed 'miniature Weapons of Mass Destruction' in consumer markets.

Though the 2025 NDAA represents a crucial initial step, Ecelbarger pointed out that further action is necessary. To secure U.S. airspace against potential drone-based threats, Congress is urged to remain proactive in considering the nation's security posture and regulations pertaining to drone operations—a necessity underscored by the lessons learned from the tragic events of 9/11.

Moving forward, the USNDA posits that the next steps should include:
1. Establishing a joint congressional subcommittee to review existing and emerging drone technologies comprehensively—assessing their benefits and risks to national security.
2. Creating a cabinet-level working group tasked with implementing immediate policy and structural changes within key government departments.
3. Formulating deputy or under secretary roles within relevant departments filled by experienced technical experts to oversee drone industry growth and technology integration.
4. Launching an independent research and development entity dedicated to objectively analyzing existing capabilities and vulnerabilities in the drone sector.

In 2025, the USNDA plans to emphasize three primary initiatives:

• - The National Drone Games: A competition aimed at stimulating innovation among students, promoting scholarship opportunities, and addressing real-world challenges through drone technology.
• - DroneWERX: An arena for showcasing current technologies against innovative prototypes to hasten the adoption of relevant advancements.
• - The National Drone Wars: A transparent arena designed to reveal vulnerabilities in current approaches while exploring the transformative potential of new drone technologies for national defense.

Moreover, the USNDA intends to conduct a comprehensive assessment of critical infrastructure vulnerabilities against present drone capabilities, with findings expected in early 2025. This independent evaluation aims to enhance preparedness for potential drone-based threats.

The USNDA emphasizes that it does not represent any specific drone company or the industry at large. Rather, it comprises a collective of national security professionals committed to addressing the pressing issues surrounding drones' use in both civilian and military applications. Following its initial formation, the USNDA aims to continue advocating for a cohesive strategy that ensures the U.S. drone ecosystem is secure, competitive, and responsive to emerging technological challenges.