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Dear Editor:
Indiana’s legacy is defined by building what matters. From advanced manufacturing to motorsport to aerospace to defense innovation, the Hoosier State has earned a reputation for doing serious work that supports both economic growth and national security.
Today, that tradition is squarely focused on the rapidly expanding world of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, also known as UAS or drones. Senator Todd Young is the central figure in positioning Indiana to not just lead, but to win, through his leadership that unified the entire Indiana Congressional Delegation in a bipartisan effort that just brought an FAA-designated UAS Test Site to Indiana.
Drones are a focal point of the Department of War’s modernization efforts as well as one of the defining national security concerns of this era, and Indiana is uniquely positioned to bring industry and government together to address drone-related threats. Drones also offer boundless opportunities to positively impact society, forever changing numerous lives for the better. Indiana can provide a diverse and deeply capable testing environment to accelerate innovation across all avenues, including safety, defense, and security.
Drones are already transforming agriculture, emergency response, logistics, infrastructure inspection, and national defense. For over a decade, Indiana has hosted UAS and C-UAS testing at Camp Atterbury and has been home to drone industry pioneers such as Hamilton County’s Beck’s Hybrids, AUVSI Indiana Chapter, Arrive AI, and Pierce Aerospace. Naming Indiana as a UAS Test Site is in line with the state’s deliberate and purposeful investments in drone technology.
The Federal Aviation Administration’s designation makes it possible to further accelerate this work. The FAA’s willingness to partner with states like Indiana demonstrates a practical, forward-looking approach to regulation – one that enables innovation while maintaining safety and accountability.
Senator Young has consistently focused on making Indiana a hub for drone research and deployment, including through regular, personal connections and stakeholder engagement. On the Senate Commerce Committee, he has elevated the state’s capabilities at the federal level and helped align Indiana’s academic, military, and industrial assets behind a common goal. When Indiana pursued designation as a national drone test site, he rallied the entire Indiana congressional delegation to speak with one voice in support. That level of coordination does not happen by accident.
Indiana’s case is compelling because it is built on real capacity. Purdue University is a national leader in aviation and autonomous systems research and operates the only university-owned airport in the country. Camp Atterbury has demonstrated advanced counter-drone capabilities, including stopping a large drone swarm in a controlled test environment. The Muscatatuck Urban Training Center and Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane provide additional real-world testing and evaluation environments and billions of dollars in cumulative infrastructure that few states can match.
Just as important is how state leadership has organized this work. Governor Mike Braun’s creation of the Indiana Initiative for Drone Dominance Task Force brought structure and coordination to an already strong ecosystem. Senator Young’s public support for that effort sent a clear signal that Indiana is serious about competing and winning in this space. Rather than siloed projects, the state is building an integrated system that connects universities, industry partners, military installations, and workforce development.
With strong state leadership, a unified congressional delegation, and a federal administration committed to American technological leadership, Indiana is demonstrating how to advance emerging technologies responsibly and strategically. Senator Todd Young’s leadership reflects that approach, and with newfound support from the White House and the FAA, Indiana is helping ensure that the “Crossroads of America” is ready to take to the skies.
Aaron Pierce
CEO & Co-Founder of Pierce Aerospace
Fishers