Public safety agencies across the U.S. increasingly rely on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, for critical operations. These versatile tools assist with search and rescue, fire response, disaster assessment, and more. However, recent events raise concerns about potential vulnerabilities in the supply chains for this technology.

A Case Study in Disruption:

The recent Chinese sanctions on Skydio, a major US drone manufacturer, serve as a cautionary tale. Skydio's reliance on a Chinese subsidiary for batteries left them scrambling after sanctions disrupted supply. This incident underscores the potential risks associated with dependence on foreign-sourced drone components.

The race for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is on, and it's not just about personal flying taxis. Emergency responders are eyeing these innovative vehicles with hope, seeing them as potential lifesavers. But who will foot the bill for integrating AAM into public safety?

The concept of Blue UAS has emerged as one of the hottest topics impacting the U.S. drone industry over the past several years. Originally perceived by the drone industry largely as an interesting concept, Blue UAS has now emerged as the Holy Grail for many drone manufacturers and solutions providers who want to sell their products to Federal agencies – and beyond.