Waypoint: U.S. Drone Makers Confront Cost of Onshoring Supply Chain

Aviation policy and regulation attorney Katie Inman was cited in an Aviation Week article on the challenges U.S. drone manufacturers face as federal restrictions and tariffs accelerate the transition away from foreign-made components. Katie explained how new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules affect equipment authorizations for drones entering the domestic market, distinguishing previously approved aircraft from new or upgraded models that require an exemption or conditional approval. The article also addressed the limited availability and higher cost of domestically produced motors, batteries, electronics and rare earth materials, which could complicate efforts to establish secure U.S. drone supply chains.

"The federal government wants to see all of that done in the U.S., and that means manufacturing, designing and assembly," Katie said of the government's new approach.

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