Young Celebrates Launch of Indiana Drone Test Site
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) delivered remarks at the ribbon cutting and launch ceremony for the Midwest UAS Test Site of Indiana, one of only nine federally designated Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) test sites in the nation. The event was held this afternoon at the Terre Haute Regional Airport and officially opens the facility to flight testing operations.
Young helped spearhead the effort to land the site in Indiana. In December, Young led a letter signed by the entire Indiana congressional delegation urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to select Indiana as a federally designated UAS test site. In January, the FAA selected Indiana as one of only nine federally designated UAS test sites.
Senator Young was joined at the event by Indiana Governor Mike Braun, Congressman Mark Messmer (R-IN-08), and state and industry leaders. The launch ceremony included remarks from federal and state leaders, a ceremonial ribbon cutting, and a live drone demonstration.
“Indiana has a proud history of aviation innovation, and today we are helping lead American flight into its next frontier,” said Senator Young. “With our world-class research institutions, defense assets, manufacturing capabilities, and skilled workforce, Indiana is uniquely positioned to develop and manufacture the drones of the future and help unleash American drone dominance.”
The Midwest UAS Test Site will provide a real-world environment for testing unmanned aircraft systems in active airspace, supporting the development and deployment of drone technologies for commercial and national security applications.
As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Young has also been a leading advocate for advancing American drone innovation at the federal level.Young urged the FAA and Office of Management and Budget to advance policies that support American drone dominance, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and accelerate the development of next-generation unmanned aircraft technologies.
Photos from the groundbreaking:
