The Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act includes the American Security Drone Act, which bars federal funds from buying drones made in China or certain other countries starting in December 2025. GovTech’s Disaster Zone blog highlighted the change on January 8, 2024.
What the law does
- It bars federal purchases of drones from covered countries from December 2025, with the rule in force through December 2028.
- Federal agencies also may not operate Chinese drones during that time unless they have an exemption.
- It follows a Florida law that limits state agencies’ use of foreign-made drones.
Why USA drone makers are optimistic
Agencies use small drones for firefighting, dam repairs, wildlife surveys and border patrols. Shenzhen-based DJI holds about 70 percent of the global consumer drone market. Jeff Thompson, founder and CEO of Utah-based drone maker Red Cat, told the Washington Post that his total addressable market had gone up “at least four times.” He also said he did not expect many buyers to wait two years to switch to drones made in the USA. Some industry voices called blanket bans overkill.
FAQ
What does the American Security Drone Act do?
It bars federal funds for drones made in China and certain other countries from December 2025.
How long does it last?
Through December 2028.
Is it law?
Yes, as part of the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act.
Source & credit
Source: GovTech Disaster Zone, January 8, 2024: “Federal Government Will Require Purchase of ‘Made in America’ Drones”.