Indianapolis, Indiana – Indiana has taken a major step onto the national stage of advanced aviation and defense technology after being selected as one of only two states to receive a newly designated national drone testing site. The announcement marks a significant milestone in Governor Mike Braun’s push to make Indiana a central hub for American drone research, development, and deployment.
The designation was announced this week by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and Federal Aviation Administrator Bryan Bedford. It places Indiana among the first states in nearly a decade to gain access to a federally recognized Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or UAS, testing ground. State leaders say the decision reflects growing confidence in Indiana’s infrastructure, workforce, and strategic assets.
Governor Braun called the announcement a major victory for both the state and national security efforts tied to drone technology. “Indiana is taking a leading role in President Trump’s mission to unleash American drone dominance. This new national drone test site designation will attract high-paying jobs and defense tech investment, and is a major victory in my initiative to position Indiana as the premier state partner for the defense industry to build, invest, and grow.” – Gov. Mike Braun
The groundwork for this designation was laid months earlier. In October, Governor Braun signed an executive order aimed at positioning Indiana as a leader in federal drone initiatives. That order created the Indiana Initiative for Drone Dominance Task Force, a group charged with coordinating state resources and aligning them with national priorities in drone technology and airspace security.
Indiana’s selection was driven by a combination of factors that few states can match. Officials pointed to the state’s strong advanced manufacturing base, long-standing defense expertise from Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, and access to restricted airspace over key locations such as Camp Atterbury and the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center. These controlled environments allow for safe and complex testing scenarios that are essential for modern drone development.
Higher education also played a role in the decision. Indiana is home to universities with established programs in engineering, aviation, and autonomous systems, providing a steady pipeline of research and skilled talent. Combined with a supportive policy framework, state leaders argue that Indiana offers an environment where innovation can move quickly from concept to real-world application.
The drone testing site designation directly supports the broader federal push outlined in President Trump’s executive orders focused on Unleashing American Drone Dominance and Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty. Those directives set a national goal of reclaiming leadership in drone technology while strengthening protections around U.S. airspace, particularly as global competition in unmanned systems continues to grow.
State officials believe the impact of the designation will extend well beyond testing alone. The site is expected to draw defense contractors, technology startups, and research partners to Indiana, creating jobs and long-term investment. It also positions the state as a key contributor to military readiness, infrastructure security, and emerging commercial drone applications.
With federal recognition now secured, Indiana’s next challenge will be translating the designation into lasting economic and technological gains. For Governor Braun and state leaders, the message is clear: Indiana is no longer just participating in the future of drone technology—it is helping define it.
