XPONENTIAL 2025, hosted by the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), is underway in Houston, TX, from May 19–22, 2025. This annual gathering brings together more than 7,500 global leaders, technologists, policymakers, and end users from over 20 industries and 60 countries to advance innovation in uncrewed systems and robotics.
Michael Robbins: National Security Relies on a Robust U.S. Drone Industry
In his keynote address, AUVSI President and CEO Michael Robbins delivered a strongly worded message: the future of national security is tied directly to the strength and resilience of the U.S. uncrewed systems industry. Robbins emphasized that progress in this sector demands “hard conversations” and a willingness to confront uncomfortable realities. “We don’t retreat when challenges arise,” Robbins said, underscoring the need for unity and determination as the industry faces regulatory uncertainty, constrained capital markets, and intensifying global competition.
Robbins warned that continued reliance on Chinese-manufactured drones and components poses significant risks. “Some of you may choose not to hear this—but it needs to be said. Too many people are turning a blind eye or supporting technology manufactured by our adversaries… there is no ambiguity here. Relying on adversarial companies is not only short-sighted, it’s dangerous. The PRC routinely uses economic tactics to undermine US industry,” he stated.
Robbins pointed to recent Chinese government actions, such as export controls on rare earth minerals, as evidence that America’s supply chain vulnerabilities are being exploited.
Policy, Partnerships, and the Path Forward
Robbins outlined AUVSI’s ongoing efforts with the White House and Congress to advance policies that will strengthen domestic production and manufacturing capabilities, foster partnerships with allied nations, and support the rapid scaling of U.S. drone manufacturing. He called for regulatory reforms to enable full autonomy, regularized BVLOS operations, and streamlined aircraft certification. Robbins also highlighted the critical need for updated UAS detection and mitigation authorities and the expansion of cybersecurity initiatives, such as AUVSI Trusted Cyber, Green UAS, and the new Trusted UAV program.
Industry Disagreement: Security Versus Functionality and Cost
While AUVSI, legislators and others argue that ending reliance on Chinese platforms is essential for national security, many end users remain concerned that U.S.-made drones have not yet matched Chinese products like DJI in functionality and price. This debate has intensified as potential federal restrictions on Chinese drones loom.
Robbins acknowledged these concerns but insisted that the stakes are too high to ignore the risks, stating, “America needs to reindustrialize,” and emphasizing that this revitalization must be forward-looking and innovative, not simply a return to old models.
The Uncrewed Arsenal of Democracy
Robbins has previously drawn inspiration from America’s historic “Arsenal of Democracy,” arguing that just as the rapid mobilization of U.S. industry in World War II proved decisive, today’s security environment demands an “uncrewed arsenal of democracy”—a robust, scalable, and technologically advanced domestic drone industry capable of deterring aggression and defending democratic values.
Robbins concluded his keynote with a call to action echoing this sentiment, framing the challenge as a defining moment for the industry and the nation. “We are in a new era. The robotics race is underway—and America cannot afford to fall behind. AUVSI will lead the effort to form a bold strategy—to ensure that the US wins the fight for leadership,” he declared.
Robbins urged the community to pair public trust with operational readiness, emphasizing that a strong, innovative, and secure U.S. drone industry is essential to counter efforts by adversaries to undermine democracies.
As XPONENTIAL 2025 continues, Robbins’ message from AUVSI is clear: the security of the nation—and the future of the industry—depend on bold action, strategic investment, and unwavering commitment to building a resilient and innovative U.S. uncrewed systems sector.
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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What Robbins fails to mention is that this “uncertain regulatory market” is due to AUVSI’s (and their US drone Manufacturing lobby sponsors) constant push to legislators to regulate or ban Chinese drones for regulatory capture. So it’s a major gaslighting mission to go in and tell legislators to ban Chinese drones (even if it is in a couple year sunset period) and then when we see legislation at hand, come in and say, “Well, the legislative space is ‘uncertain’ for Chinese drones and we should be prepared.” It’s completely disingenuous because it’s caused by your own work!