Gov. Mike Braun launched the Midwest uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) Test Site of Indiana on Oct. 30 in Terre Haute.
According to a press release from Braun’s office, the site is intended to support the state’s defense sector and creating a regional resource for companies, defense organizations, public-safety agencies and researchers developing the next generation of drones and autonomous aviation technologies.
“Indiana’s defense sector is taking off like never before as we continue to attract new assets and installations, accelerate innovation, and support industry investment,” Braun said. “The launch of this new UAS Test Site positions our state as a defense and national security leader, giving companies another reason to build, test and grow here in Indiana while strengthening our ability to develop solutions that power the warfighter.”
State, federal, defense industry and academic leaders attended the site’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. Braun and U.S. Senator Todd Young delivered keynote remarks on the region’s role in advancing American drone and counter-drone technologies.
The Midwest UAS Test Site is one of nine UAS test sites designated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The test site operates as a network of testing locations, airspace and technical partners, while the FAA designation provides a framework for coordinating research, flight testing and experimentation, and certification of flights.
The site is designed to accelerate innovation and expedite commercialization of drone and aviation technology.
According to a press release, the initiative is now accepting members and supporting flight-test operations. Participation is open to organizations including startups and component suppliers to established aerospace and defense companies. Organizations will have the opportunity to work with the test site to identify testing resources, plan operations and pursue the approvals needed to evaluate their technologies.
“Indiana defense is powered by commitment and collaboration across government, industry, academic and military,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich. “By connecting FAA-designated test-site capabilities with the most manufacturing-intensive economy in the country, we are creating a direct path from testing to production. That will attract investment, support high-wage jobs and strengthen domestic aerospace supply chains.”
Young supported efforts to innovate in this sector.
“America cannot afford to fall behind our adversaries in unmanned systems. The Midwest UAS Test Site helps ensure the next generation of drones and counter-drone technology is designed, tested and built here in the United States,” said Young. “Indiana is uniquely positioned to lead this effort, and I will keep working in Washington to make sure our state has every tool it needs to help unleash American drone dominance.”
For more information visit midwestuastestsite.us.
Contact Staff Writer Malik Simon at 317-762-7847.
Malik Simon is a Staff Writer for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Memphis, TN, he graduated from Mississippi Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies concentrating on journalism. Before joining the Recorder, he wrote for the Devil’s Gazette newspaper at MVSU and served as a freelance content and video editor. He seeks to use media to help communities flourish through literacy and factual reporting.
 Test Site of Indiana on Oct. 30 in Terre Haute.){kind=link}