Indianapolis, December 3, 2025

Indiana, led by Senator Todd Young and supported by its congressional delegation, is applying to become an FAA UAS Test Site. This initiative seeks to enhance the state’s role in drone technology, leveraging its strengths in manufacturing and research. A successful bid could foster innovation and business opportunities in the burgeoning UAS ecosystem, emphasizing collaboration among government, academia, and industry.

Indiana Aims to Become FAA UAS Test Site for Drone Innovation

State’s Application Supported by Congressional Delegation

Indianapolis, Indiana – On December 2, 2025, U.S. Senator Todd Young spearheaded support from Indiana’s congressional delegation for the state’s application to become a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Test Site. This initiative has the potential to position Indiana as a key player in the burgeoning drone technology sector, reflecting the determination and innovative spirit of local leaders and entrepreneurs.

Building on Indiana’s existing strengths in manufacturing and research, this bid emphasizes how reducing regulatory barriers could accelerate business growth and innovation within the state’s UAS ecosystem. The collaboration between state and federal representatives illustrates a unified approach to lifting Indiana’s profile in emerging tech sectors.

Support from Indiana’s Congressional Delegation

The bipartisan letter backing Indiana’s application was signed by all nine of the state’s representatives and both senators. This widespread support underlines the strategic advantages Indiana holds, including its central location within the U.S., established testing assets, and a robust commitment from local leaders to advance drone technologies. The delegation is confident that these attributes can uniquely position Indiana as a leader in drone manufacturing and deployment.

Potential Benefits of FAA Test Site Designation

Should Indiana receive the FAA designation, it would unlock numerous opportunities for universities and manufacturers within the state to innovate through the development of advanced drone technologies. The congressional delegation highlights the critical nature of these advancements and emphasizes the need for scalable drone technologies that can be deployed across diverse industries. Furthermore, Indiana’s strong manufacturing foundation and skilled workforce align perfectly with the anticipated growth of this industry.

Indiana’s Existing Assets and Initiatives

The application letter highlights a range of Indiana’s key assets vital for supporting its UAS Test Site bid:

• Purdue University: This institution houses the first university-owned airport in the U.S. and boasts the world’s largest indoor motion capture facility, with dedicated faculty focusing on safe UAS integration into national airspace.
• Technology Readiness and Experimentation Initiative at Camp Atterbury: Known for its success in neutralizing drone swarms with electromagnetic pulses, this facility showcases Indiana’s military and technological capabilities.
• Muscatatuck Urban Training Center: Offers extensive testing space for various military and research applications, contributing to the state’s technological advancements.
• Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane: Engages in counter-UAS studies, supporting the development of advanced defense technologies.

Additionally, the recent formation of the “Indiana Initiative for Drone Dominance Task Force” by Governor Mike Braun aims to synchronize efforts across government, academic institutions, and private industry, reinforcing the state’s commitment to federal initiatives in drone technology and airspace security.

Background on FAA’s UAS Test Site Program

The FAA’s UAS Test Site program facilitates research and integration of unmanned aircraft into the U.S. airspace system. Its goal is to ensure that UAS operations are conducted safely and effectively, which in turn supports the growth of the drone industry while maintaining the safety of the airspace.

Next Steps

The FAA is actively reviewing applications for new UAS Test Sites. This selection process takes into account factors such as geographic location, available infrastructure, and the capacity to support a wide variety of UAS operations. Indiana’s application, backed by a strong congressional delegation and strategic state initiatives, underscores the state’s readiness to lead in drone technology innovation.

Conclusion

Indiana’s bid for FAA UAS Test Site designation reflects a concerted effort among the state’s leaders to elevate its position in the field of drone technology. With robust support from its congressional delegation and a wealth of existing resources, Indiana is poised to make significant contributions to unmanned aircraft systems and related industries.

FAQ

What is the FAA UAS Test Site program?

The FAA’s UAS Test Site program is designed to support research, safety evaluation, and integration of unmanned aircraft into the U.S. airspace system. The program aims to ensure that UAS operations are conducted safely and efficiently, facilitating the growth of the drone industry while maintaining airspace safety.

What are the benefits of Indiana becoming an FAA UAS Test Site?

If selected, the FAA designation would open opportunities for Indiana’s universities and manufacturers to develop cutting-edge drone technologies. The state’s manufacturing strength and research capabilities are central to this bid. Developing advanced drone technologies is vital, and scaling these technologies for deployment across various industries is crucial. Indiana is also well-positioned to meet the workforce needs accompanying this growing ecosystem.

What initiatives support Indiana’s application for the FAA UAS Test Site?

The letter references several of Indiana’s assets that support its application, including Purdue University, the Technology Readiness and Experimentation Initiative at Camp Atterbury, the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane. Additionally, the letter highlights Governor Mike Braun’s executive order establishing the “Indiana Initiative for Drone Dominance Task Force,” which coordinates efforts across government, universities, and private industry to support federal initiatives in drone technology and airspace security.

Key Features of Indiana’s FAA UAS Test Site Application

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER

The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.