Accelerating U.S. Leadership in Unmanned Systems

As someone who has spent an immense amount of time at the intersection of communications, defense and advanced technology, I am struck by how quickly the conversation around unmanned systems is moving in Washington. Over the past year, President Trump, OSTP Director Michael Kratsios and senior leaders have made it clear that the United States must not only compete, but lead in the technologies that will define the next generation of global security and economic growth.

A National Push for Speed and Scale

On June 6, 2025, the administration issued two significant executive orders: Unleashing American Drone Dominance and Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty. These policies emphasize scaling U.S. production, enabling routine drone operations, and ensuring that American-made technologies reach international markets.

At the same time, the Department of Transportation and the FAA have advanced a proposed rule on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. This is a pivotal step toward integrating drones safely and predictably into the national airspace at scale.

The common thread across these initiatives is urgency - leaders are not only focused on innovation but on executing quickly. The message from Washington is consistent: the U.S. must act now so that it can play a role in defining the playing field for unmanned systems worldwide.

Speed as a Catalyst for Partnership

What strikes me most is that speed is no longer just a competitive goal, but a catalyst for collaboration. When the government sets aggressive timelines, industry must look for new ways to accelerate delivery. That means partnering across technology sectors, whether in communications, autonomy or data analytics, to combine expertise and move faster than any single company could achieve on its own.

Through a cooperative approach, the United States can do what it does best: innovate. By joining forces, technology providers can reduce barriers, shorten development cycles, and deliver field-ready solutions in record time. These partnerships will not only meet immediate government needs but also establish a foundation for long-term leadership in unmanned systems across defense, public safety and commercial applications.

An Optimistic Outlook

From my vantage point, I see tremendous opportunity. Policy momentum is aligning with industry innovation to create the conditions for rapid progress. The administration's insistence on speed underscores that the window for global leadership is open, but not indefinite. Those of us building the infrastructure - whether in airframes, autonomy, or communications - have a responsibility to deliver now.

At Vislink, we are committed to supporting this national effort with secure communications solutions that enable the safe and scalable deployment of unmanned systems. The pace is accelerating, and that is exactly what U.S. leadership requires. By combining clear policy direction with rapid execution, I believe the United States can secure its place at the forefront of unmanned innovation for decades to come.