(FORT WAYNE) - Indiana has been officially designated as one of the nation's newest Federal Aviation Administration Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Test Sites, a move expected to bring new jobs, research opportunities, and private investment to the state.
The announcement was made Thursday by U.S. Sen. Todd Young, who said Indiana's strong advanced manufacturing base and defense infrastructure helped secure the designation.
Young pointed to major assets such as Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck Urban Training Center as key factors in the FAA's decision, calling the state a natural fit for expanded drone research and testing.
The UAS test site designation allows Indiana to conduct advanced testing of unmanned aircraft systems, including research related to airspace safety, security, and emerging drone technologies. Officials say the effort will support both civilian and defense applications as the U.S. looks to strengthen domestic drone capabilities.
State leaders expect the designation to attract high-tech research jobs, grow partnerships with private industry, and position Indiana as a national leader in drone development and airspace innovation.
The FAA's UAS Test Site Program is designed to safely integrate drones into the national airspace while supporting innovation and maintaining security standards. Indiana now joins a select group of states playing a direct role in shaping the future of unmanned aviation.