AUVSI praises NDAA support for uncrewed systems amid rising supply chain concerns

On December 8, 2024, in Arlington, Virginia, the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) responded positively to the release of the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation includes significant allocations and policy changes aimed at advancing the integration of uncrewed systems, robotics, and autonomous technologies within the United States Department of Defense (DOD). Michael Robbins, the AUVSI President and CEO, recognized the urgent need for government action to adapt to modern defense challenges and emphasized that these technologies are essential for national security. The NDAA reflects Congress’s acknowledgment of the importance of uncrewed systems in contemporary defense strategy. The FY 2025 NDAA makes notable investments in various defense programs, exceeding proposed budgets for critical offices such as the Defense Innovation Unit and AFWERX Prime. It includes efforts to transition hybrid and electric vertical take-off and landing air vehicles from the Agility Prime program to active operations. Furthermore, it addresses the threats posed by small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) to U.S. military forces and facilities. This range of provisions highlights a concerted effort to modernize U.S. military capabilities against evolving security threats and establish a more robust uncrewed systems arsenal. In addition to promoting innovation, the NDAA also places importance on ensuring the security of the supply chain for uncrewed technologies. This legislation directs the DOD to develop a supply chain risk framework and encourages private sector investment in technologies critical for national competitiveness. Enhanced efforts to secure the domestic manufacturing capacity of drone components are also demanded to mitigate risks posed by dependencies on foreign adversaries. Robbins underscored the necessity for cooperation between industry and government to build a domestic supply chain resilient to international political shifts. Furthermore, the NDAA addresses national security concerns posed by certain Chinese technologies. It mandates assessments of drones from manufacturers such as DJI Technologies and Autel Robotics, evaluating their impact on U.S. security. The legislation calls for an audit of components in PRC-produced drones to ascertain supply chain risks and prohibits the DOD from procuring certain unmanned ground vehicles from covered foreign entities. Robbins emphasized that this legislation further acknowledges the dangers of dependency on foreign technology, specifically from China, and will advance efforts towards self-reliance in unmanned systems and robotics.