Indiana Launches New Task Force to Oversee Drone Operations

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INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana’s Governor, Mike Braun, has unveiled a new executive order that seeks to elevate the state as a frontrunner in the U.S. government’s initiative for drone technology supremacy.

A statement from the governor’s office reveals that Executive Order 25-73 has led to the creation of the Indiana Initiative for Drone Dominance Task Force. This move is a joint effort with U.S. Senator Todd Young, R-Ind.

Governor Braun, in his inaugural year, has already enacted several executive orders focusing on health, environmental issues, Medicaid, and immigration.

Last year, a private contractor was reportedly responsible for mysterious drone sightings.

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

The newly formed task force will be charged with crafting a strategic plan to leverage Indiana’s resources to foster drone technology advancements across governmental, academic, and industrial sectors. “Indiana has a history of supporting America’s defense with our expertise and workforce,” Braun stated. “Our state’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and dense network of defense and research facilities uniquely position us to lead in the quest for drone dominance. This Task Force will establish Indiana as a pivotal national asset and stimulate innovation in this crucial field.”

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.”