UNCREWED UPDATE from AUVSI Why a Domestic Industrial Base for Drones and Autonomy Matters


Mission success for drone operators increasingly depends on the sensor suites, onboard computer, and autonomy-enabling systems integrated into their aircraft. Presently, some of the components that power these capabilities are often sourced from fragile, opaque, or adversary-controlled supply chains.


As the U.S. modernizes its aviation infrastructure and prepares for more integrated crewed/uncrewed operations, one thing is clear: we must produce critical rotorcraft components domestically and with our allies.


WHY THIS MATTERS NOW The mission set is expanding.


Drones are being tasked with ever more critical missions, from wildfire response to utility inspections and emergency medical services (EMS) support. These operations require reliable cameras, onboard processing, stabilized gimbals, mapping sensors, and navigation systems that continue to perform even in difficult conditions.


Federal policy is tightening.


National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) procurement requirements, national security reviews, and new White House Executive Orders are reshaping what agencies — and by extension their aviation partners — can buy. The U.S. government is signaling that mission-critical aviation systems must come from secure, transparent supply chains. Drone operators who rely on imported systems or sensors may soon face procurement barriers or increased compliance burdens.


Integrated operations demand interoperable components.


As helicopters work more closely with uncrewed aircraft, shared sensors, data links, and autonomy modules will need common standards and verified provenance. A strong domestic industrial base accelerates that alignment, creating predictable performance and easier cross-platform integration.


BUILDING INDUSTRY THAT SUPPORTS EVERY DOMAIN


Through initiatives like Green UAS, AUVSI is helping establish trusted, scalable pathways for validating the components and subsystems that matter most — whether they’re used on drones, rotorcraft or future autonomous platforms. These frameworks


18 Nov/Dec 2025


are informing federal investment decisions, shaping acquisition strategies, and signaling where industry growth is needed most:


•


• • •


allied and domestically produced imaging and mapping sensors


advanced navigation and positioning systems secure command-and-control equipment autonomy-enabling compute modules


These aren’t just “drone parts,” they’re aviation infrastructure, and they power important missions every day.


WHAT IT MEANS FOR DRONE OPERATORS A stronger domestic and allied industrial base means: •


• • • •


more reliable access to critical components faster repair and replacement cycles reduced procurement bottlenecks


long-term viability for mission-critical systems


enhanced interoperability with growing UAS fleets AUVSI’S COMMITMENT


AUVSI continues to advocate for policies and investments that strengthen America’s aviation industrial base across all domains. That includes supporting domestic and allied manufacturers, creating trusted pathways for component verification, and ensuring drone operators have access to the high-assurance technologies their missions demand.


As the next generation of aviation takes shape, the U.S. must lead not only in aircraft, but in the sensors, systems, and autonomy technologies that will define drone operations for decades to come.


A strong industrial base doesn’t just support innovation. It safeguards the future of flight.


Join AUVSI to gain access to exclusive industry insights, policy updates, and collaboration opportunities through our Advocacy Committee. We help shape the regulations, standards and partnerships that define the future of flight. Learn more or join today at auvsi.org.


By the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)


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