Updates

New laws, rules and programs that change what drone and robotics companies can sell, build and get funded for

One entry per change, newest first, with what to do about it and a source to confirm. Reviewed monthly; last review September 21, 2026. Know of a change that belongs here? Send it.

All Drone Dominance Financing Cybersecurity SBIR Buy American Blue UAS Army Policy FCC

August 20, 2026Drone DominanceFirst White House Drone Dominance eventAbout 100 government and industry representatives from roughly 40 companies met at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The program's stated goal is more than 200,000 American-made small UAS by 2027, backed by $200 billion in Office of Strategic Capital lending authority for airframes, motors, batteries, sensors and electronics at volume.
What to do: If you make any of those components, document domestic content now and get onto the finalists' supplier lists. The finalists have to buy American parts.Source: Army Recognition

July 21, 2026Drone DominanceSecond Gauntlet round: 49 companies competed, 19 advancedAt Camp Grayling, Michigan, 49 companies were evaluated over 12 days on performance, ease of use and ability to produce at scale; 19 advanced to the next round beginning in August. Finalists include public companies alongside startups.
What to do: Even companies that do not win get real test feedback. Watch for the next entry window and join the S2MARTS consortium to be eligible.Source: Defense News

February 2026Drone Dominance25 vendors invited to Drone Dominance Phase IA mix of established defense firms, specialized UAS developers and smaller companies. Procurement runs through Other Transaction Authority via the S2MARTS consortium, which removes most traditional FAR barriers.
What to do: Consortium membership is the entry ticket for future phases.Source: FedBiz Access