AUVSI Applauds DoW Drone Dominance Plan

December 2, 2025

AUVSI applauds the Department of War and Secretary Hegseth for advancing the Drone Dominance initiative and working with AUVSI to develop a disciplined, merit-based pathway to acquire hundreds of thousands of U.S. and allied-made small uncrewed aircraft. This plan’s competitive, gated approach, paired with rapid contracting and payment on delivery, will strengthen America’s industrial base, build true supply-chain resiliency, accelerate fielding to warfighters, and reward performance, reliability, and scale.

 “This is how you build the Arsenal of Freedom – by unleashing American military drone dominance, backing U.S. innovators, enforcing NDAA-compliant sourcing, and cutting American dependence on CCP-controlled supply chains,” said AUVSI President & CEO Michael Robbins. “AUVSI thanks Secretary Hegseth and the Department of War for engaging directly with AUVSI and our member companies to shape the RFI and the transparent, merit-driven Gauntlet competitions that will clarify what works and help provide capability at speed and at scale. AUVSI worked hard to secure the $1billion in funding for this initiative in the H.R. 1 budget reconciliation bill, and we look forward to working with the Department of War on the forthcoming Gauntlet competitions and helping our industry scale production to deliver drone capability to our warfighters, drive down costs, and ensure American drone dominance.”