Impact analysis of Trump’s bill on the drone industry.

The recent passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has significant implications for the drone industry in the United States. While the bill is primarily known for its tax provisions, it also includes substantial funding for unmanned systems that could have a lasting impact on the commercial and dual-use drone market. In this article, we will delve into the key components of the bill related to drones and examine how they might reshape the industry moving forward.

One of the major funding lines in the bill, Section 20005, focuses on “Scaling Low-Cost Weapons into Production” with a mandatory $13.5 billion allocation. This funding is aimed at supporting the small UAS industrial base and advancing AI and autonomy testing and integration. Not only does this initiative create demand for domestic small UAS manufacturers and component suppliers, but it also funds rapid prototyping programs that typically involve non-traditional vendors.

Another key program outlined in the bill is the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, which is set to receive approximately $9 billion in funding through fiscal year 2029. This funding will specifically impact Air Force loyal-wingman drones. By sustaining venture-backed autonomy firms and supporting the development of reusable “fighter-size” drones, this program aims to drive standards in avionics and sensor integration that can benefit advanced civil UAVs.

The bill also includes provisions for rapid fielding of one-way attack UAS, allocating $1 billion for the industrial base and an additional $50 million for autonomy. This funding supports the expansion of manufacturing capabilities for airframes, power systems, and guidance packages that can be used in expendable inspection or emergency-response drones.

Further funding in the bill is designated for AI applications in aerial and naval UAS, with $145 million allocated for edge-AI modules and maritime UAS. This funding is expected to accelerate the development of MIL-spec compute platforms that could enable beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) obstacle avoidance and improve ship-to-shore logistics.

Additionally, the bill earmarks $450 million for naval autonomy and robotics in shipbuilding, focusing on uncrewed surface and undersea vehicles. This funding will bolster suppliers of control systems for USVs and UUVs, spurring the development of common autopilot architectures that can be applied to offshore energy and port security markets.

Border surveillance technology is also a priority in the OBBBA, with $6.17 billion allocated for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to enhance modern surveillance capabilities. This includes the deployment of autonomous towers, AI video analytics, and biometric data systems. This funding is expected to drive demand for long-endurance payload-ready multicopters, radar-equipped aerostats, and AI video analytics, while also creating opportunities for drone-as-a-service vendors.

In conclusion, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has the potential to significantly impact the commercial and dual-use drone industry in the U.S. The funding allocated to various drone-related programs will not only support domestic manufacturers and technology development but also drive innovation and standardization in the market. As these initiatives are implemented, we can expect to see a shift in the landscape of the drone industry with new opportunities for growth and advancement.