In this guest post, Micantis co-founder and CEO Howard Alt argues that batteries, not aircraft, may be the defining factor in the future of the U.S. drone industry. As demand for drones grows across commercial, public safety, and defense applications, he contends that battery manufacturing and supply chain resilience have become strategic issues for both industry and … [Read more...] about Guest Post: America’s Drone Future Depends on Battery Independence
U.S. drone industry
China’s Export Restrictions on Red Cat Highlight a Bigger Challenge for U.S. Drone Manufacturing
Recent Chinese export controls targeting Red Cat may have limited immediate impact, but they underscore why U.S. drone manufacturers are under pressure to understand every layer of their supply chains. China's decision to place drone manufacturer Red Cat Holdings and their subsidiary, Teal Drones on its export control list may not immediately disrupt production. But the move … [Read more...] about China’s Export Restrictions on Red Cat Highlight a Bigger Challenge for U.S. Drone Manufacturing
DJI Releases Independent Security Assessment as FCC Covered List Debate Continues
OnDefend audit found no critical or high-risk vulnerabilities in tested DJI systems DJI has released the results of an independent cybersecurity assessment conducted by U.S.-based security firm OnDefend, as the company continues its appeal of inclusion on the Federal Communications Commission’s Covered List. The assessment examined two DJI drone systems, the DJI Air 3S and … [Read more...] about DJI Releases Independent Security Assessment as FCC Covered List Debate Continues
Drone Dominance: The Defense Department’s Push to Build a Scalable U.S. Drone Supply Chain
At this morning’s keynote roundtable at XPONENTIAL 2026, government and industry leaders outlined a new phase in the effort to scale the U.S. drone industry: moving from innovation and prototype development to industrial production, supply chain scrutiny, and rapid military acquisition. Moderated by Michael Robbins of AUVSI, the panel focused on the Department of Defense’s … [Read more...] about Drone Dominance: The Defense Department’s Push to Build a Scalable U.S. Drone Supply Chain
AUVSI’s Michael Robbins on Why Regional Autonomy Hubs Are Critical to U.S. Drone Leadership
U.S. policy and funding now send an unmistakable signal: domestic drone and autonomous systems development is a national priority. But translating that momentum into lasting leadership will require more than federal directives and prototype programs. In this guest post, AUVSI President and CEO Michael Robbins argues that investing in regional autonomy hubs is the critical next … [Read more...] about AUVSI’s Michael Robbins on Why Regional Autonomy Hubs Are Critical to U.S. Drone Leadership
