US Drone Manufacturers are up to the task to help police departments across Florida rebuild their drone fleets, in my opinion. Currently, many officers are upset that their Chinese drone fleets have been grounded over safety concerns. A new law went into effect, with the intention of stopping the foreign drones from potentially spying for the CCP. 

US Drones provide the platforms that departments need, and manufacturers are more than capable of stepping up to the challenge. Capacity is ramping up all across the nation, with drones specifically manufactured to meet the challenges and dangers faced by officers.

US Manufacturers

US Drone companies, such as the Teal Drones Golden Eagle, are on the approved list of providers that are allowed to supply the departments with the technology they need. The Border Patrol has recently purchased $1M of these drones, the drones are highly advanced. I don’t think American manufacturers get the attention they deserve.

The onboard technology is designed to allow the operators the ability to “Dominate the Night”, the drones are especially beneficial when crews rely on drones the most, night-time emergencies. Suspects are often apprehended when fleeing police because they are not able to escape the drones cameras.

Drones such as the Brinc Lemur 2 and the Vayu Drones Mitigator are purpose built for close encounters in hostile situations. The drones can be equipped with pretty much any tools that would be useful in a situation where police units lives would be in danger. Drones such as these begin saving lives immediately.

The drones can break glass, flip over if needed, and communicate through two-way radio technology. These drones can be equipped with rubber bullets, liquids, and dyes to help subdue suspects.

Costs

Some arguments have been made that the Chinese Drones are better. American drones are more expensive. Vayu drones has addressed both issues. The Knucklebuster line up of drones retails at $3-$5k and offers departments easy use with minimal training. 

The drones are better than traditional drones, or at least comparable. However, when the solid-state batteries are added to the drones, this makes the combination a potential game-changer. Drones equipped with the solid state batteries could be shot and the battery would not explode like traditional lithium-ion batteries. 

Drones like these certainly have the potential to be included in top secret military programs, such as AMASS that plan on using autonomous drone swarms to overwhelm enemy forces.

Safety

Issues with potential spying, such as the incident with the Chinese balloon that was allowed to fly unimpeded over military bases, weakens the United States. Allowing Chinese companies to thrive off of the hard work of Americans is not patriotic, nor smart in my view. 

American companies should be provided the investment from government agencies to manufacturer drones wholly made in America with USA made parts. These drones have technology, software, and manufacturing techniques that make their offerings among the best in the world. Not empowering this industry is putting us at a disadvantage.

The country that allows drone technology to advance to the fullest will reap immense benefits. The short term pain of ripping off the Chinese band aid and making things right, with made in the USA drones will be worth it. 

The Future

High schools will continue to invest in STEM education, kids are interested in drone technology, and it is especially impactful for minority communities. Participation in drone clubs and drone soccer leagues will make more of the population with the skills necessary to be ready for high paying technology jobs. 

Beyond the benefits it could provide for the future of America, these companies are ready for the challenge. Investment in private companies like Skydio has been robust to allow the company to increase their capacity. Many other companies are ramping up production as we speak.

Other companies such as Teal Drones, AgEagle, Vayu Aerospace and Brinc are just a few of the names that come to mind that are more than capable of helping police departments rebuild their drone fleets the right way, MADE IN THE USA.