Indiana Governor Issues Executive Order to Form Drone Task Force

Share and Follow

INDIANAPOLIS — In a bold move to place Indiana at the forefront of the national drone technology race, Governor Mike Braun has signed a new executive order aimed at fostering American drone supremacy.

The initiative, announced through a press release from the governor’s office, introduces the Indiana Initiative for Drone Dominance Task Force. This strategic decision was formulated in close collaboration with U.S. Senator Todd Young, a Republican representing Indiana.

During his inaugural year in office, Governor Braun has been proactive with a series of executive orders, tackling issues ranging from health and the environment to Medicaid and immigration.

The newly established task force is set to devise a comprehensive plan that leverages Indiana’s resources to boost drone technology advancements. This plan will integrate efforts across government sectors, academic institutions, and private industries, ensuring Indiana plays a pivotal role in this burgeoning field.

Indiana’s manufacturing industry
Expertise from the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane
Restricted airspace over Camp Atterbury and the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center
Indiana’s policy framework
Universities with established programs to further drone research and development

“Indiana has always stepped up to use our skills and labor to support America’s defense,” Braun said in the release. “Indiana’s advanced manufacturing capacity and our concentration of defense and research assets make us uniquely suited to lead in America’s pursuit of drone dominance, and this new Task Force will position Indiana as a national asset and drive innovation in this important sector.”

According to the release, key priorities of the drone-related task force include:

Developing a cross-sector aerial test corridor connecting sites such as Camp Atterbury, Muscatatuck Urban Training Center and NSWC Crane.
Expanding public safety applications of unmanned aircraft during major sporting and civic events.
Strengthening Indiana’s drone manufacturing supply chain and encouraging growth among small and emerging firms.
Exploring new infrastructure for the detection, tracking and neutralization of unauthorized drones.
Supporting workforce training programs and partnerships with Indiana colleges and universities to prepare Hoosiers for high-tech drone careers.
Preserving Indiana’s commitment to personal privacy and safety through all drone testing and policies

“Drones are increasingly critical to our economy and national security, and as a leading manufacturing state, Indiana is positioned to help unleash American drone dominance,” Young said in the release. “Over the past several months, my team has worked hand in hand with Governor Braun’s team on developing this executive order. Governor Braun has been a great partner on this issue, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Governor and Hoosier stakeholders to support the President’s executive order and empower the U.S. drone industry.”