Now on President Biden’s desk for signature, the FY 24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Included within the FY 24 NDAA is the American Security Drone Act, (See Subtitle H in text of NDAA) which might limit using Chinese-manufactured drone platforms by federal or federally funded drone programs.
The ASDA was introduced within the Senate by Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Mark Warner (D-VA) and within the House by Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the USA and the Chinese Communist Party Chair Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT).
“If America is to prevail on this era of great power competition, the U.S. government can’t be using drones manufactured by our adversaries,” said Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) in a November statement concerning the ASDA. “I’m proud to hitch my colleagues from across the aisle in reintroducing the American Security Drone Act, which can promote American superiority and competitiveness throughout the drone market, protect against IP theft and data security violations by the Chinese Communist Party, and fortify our national security.”
Drone advocacy group, the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), has issued a press release in support of the inclusion.
“AUVSI commends Congress for incorporating the American Security Drone Act into the FY 2024 NDAA. Prohibiting federal agencies from purchasing or operating non-secure drones, especially those produced by Chinese firms, is a mandatory step in protecting our nation from cyber risks, espionage, and sabotage. We urge President Biden to sign this measure into law swiftly,” said AUVSI Chief Advocacy Officer Michael Robbins
“Rational, tailored country of origin drone restrictions like those inside ASDA are critical to protecting U.S. national security. Moreover, AUVSI stays committed to working with Congress and the Biden Administration through the Partnership for Drone Competitiveness to advance policies that bolster America’s domestic drone industry, secure American leadership in advanced aviation, and effectively level the playing field for domestic and allied drone manufacturers against foreign subsidized competition. American reliance on foreign adversaries for drone technology must end.”
Read more: