The US drone manufacturing sector has seen a whopping 35% growth, according to industry reports. This growth isn’t surprising.
Recent regulations have pushed businesses and consumers away from foreign drones like DJI to consider domestic drones. As organizations start moving away from foreign-made drones, the demand for reliable and compliant drone solutions has seen a northward trend.
This shift stems from security concerns and the requirement for compliance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
This shift has an economic advantage too. As we see the transition from Chinese-made drones to US-made options, it will strengthen local manufacturing, and provide a better experience to the customers.
In fact, American-made drones are becoming a mandatory choice for both enterprise and government organizations.
In this article, we’ll explore the best American-made drones available on the market, highlighting their features and capabilities.
Let’s first understand what exactly are US-made drones.
What Do American Made Drones Exactly Mean?
American made drones are ultimately NDAA-approved drones.
In the drone industry, “NDAA compliance” is a short way of saying “ensuring supply chain security.”
NDAA compliance involves a federal law that prevents the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) from purchasing drones that fall into one of these categories:
- Drones made in a covered foreign country or by a company based in that country.
- Drones that use components like flight controllers, radios, data transmission devices, cameras, gimbals, ground control systems, or operating software manufactured in that covered foreign country or by a company based there.
This law, called Section 848 of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), identified China as the “covered foreign country.”
Subsequently, in 2022, Congress expanded this law to include Russia, Iran, and North Korea. More recently, Congress made it even broader by including private companies as well.
Starting in October 2024, private companies won’t be able to use DJI drones for Department of Defense contracts.
However, drones on the Blue UAS Cleared list are exempt from the DoD’s policy exception requirement because they have undergone cybersecurity and NDAA compliance evaluations, and have been issued the necessary administrative documentation.
The Blue sUAS 2.0 project has incorporated the following drones into the DIU Blue UAS Cleared List:
- Intense Eye V2, by BlueHalo
- eBee Tac, by senseFly, an AgEagle company
- WingtraOne, by Wingtra
- Spirit, by Ascent AeroSystems
- Osprey Hexacopter, by Easy Aerial
- AltaX, by Freefly Systems
- X2D (new configuration), by Skydio
- Edge 130, by Flightwave
- H6 HE, H6 Hydrone and H6, by Harris Aerial
- IF750 and IF1200, by Inspired Flight
It is important to note that the Blue UAS list is drone-specific, not manufacturer-specific. This means that some drones made in foreign countries may still qualify if they meet security standards.
These drones can work in critical environments such as inspecting railroads, conducting solar inspections in sensitive environments operated by government entities, or even inspecting our utilities.
While companies like DJI have vastly dominated the commercial drone market, they’re being phased out quickly and aggressively, particularly in government-related sectors.
Recently, Florida enforced a ban on Chinese made drones for public safety and public works agencies. This has caused numerous drone programs to shut down.
These departments now need to raise new funds to purchase domestically made drones.
For more information check out our detailed drone guide for public safety that compares many domestically made drones.
7 Best American Made Drones
These American drones are built for longer lifespans and true platform capabilities. Here are the top NDAA-compliant options available in the market:
1. Freefly Astro Prime: The Absolute Best Platform
2. Parrot Anafi AI: The Budget-Friendly Option
3. ACSL SOAN: The Pocket Powerhouse
4. Skydio X10: The Obstacle Avoidance King
5. Inspired Flight IF800 Tomcat: The M300 Look-Alike
6. Sony Airpeak S1: The Cinematographer’s Choice
7. Wingtra One: The Mapping Specialist
Let’s take a look at each of these drones and find out more about their features, capabilities, and limitations.
1. Freefly Astro
Freefly Astro | Source: Freefly
The Freefly Astro is a cinematic drone designed for professional filmmakers. It has a carbon fiber frame and a payload capacity of up to 20 pounds, making it ideal for carrying large cameras and lenses. The Astro also features many advanced features, such as a built-in GPS, a return-to-home function, and obstacle avoidance.
Key Features:
- Sony LR1 camera with full-frame Exmor sensor
- 61 megapixel full-frame camera
- 4K 60fps video capability
- HD at 120fps
- Multiple codec options
- Platform-based camera gimbal system
- Esri SiteScan integration
- On-screen battery voltage monitoring
- Advanced Pilot Pro remote
Pros:
- Creative and technical pursuits capability
- Full-frame camera system
- Intuitive, DJI-native feel
- On-screen battery voltage
- Modular camera system with thermal and rangefinder options
- Direct integration with Esri’s systems
- High-quality mapping capabilities
Cons:
- Price point starts at $32,000
- NDAA approved kit costs more
Price:
$32,000 (Essentials Kit), Higher for NDAA-approved package
2. Parrot Anafi Ai
The Parrot Anafi Ai is a compact and lightweight drone that is perfect for beginners and experienced users alike. It features a 21-megapixel camera with 4K video recording capabilities, as well as many AI-powered features, such as automatic tracking and subject recognition. The Anafi Ai also has a long flight time of up to 25 minutes.
Key Features:
- 48 megapixel camera
- 4K 30fps video
- 5G connectivity
- Linear rolling shutter sensor
- Tethered flight capability
- Unique praying mantis design
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight and portable
- Unlimited distance capability
- 400ft USB-C tethered option
- Great for BVLOS training
Cons:
- Linear rolling shutter
- Slow data processing
- Limited to 4K 30fps
- Gimbal smoothness issues
- Wonky zoom functionality
Price:
Around $4,000
3. ACSL SOTEN
Developed by an ex-DJI engineer, this drone comes closest to matching the Phantom 4 Pro’s capabilities in an NDAA-compliant package.
Key Features:
- Global shutter camera
- 1-inch CMOS sensor
- 4K 30fps video
- Multiple camera payload options
- Compact design
Pros:
- Global shutter for accurate mapping
- Small and portable
- Great for inspections
- Multiple payload options
- Reasonable price point
Cons:
- Limited to 4K 30fps video
- Limited creative capabilities
- Not ideal for cinematic work
Price:
Around $10,000
4. Skydio X10
Skydio is known for its industry-leading autonomous flight systems. The X10 uses advanced AI-driven obstacle avoidance and path planning, making it highly reliable for complex missions where precision is key, such as inspections, public safety, and search-and-rescue operations.
The Skydio X10 is a smart AI-powered system that excels in obstacle avoidance but comes with significant trade-offs in speed and cost.
The X10 is equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal sensors, allowing for detailed imaging in a variety of conditions. This makes it a versatile tool for industries like infrastructure inspection, firefighting, and law enforcement.
Key Features:
- AI-powered flight system
- 1-inch CMOS sensor
- Advanced obstacle avoidance
- Multiple payload options
- 4K 30fps video
Pros:
- Best-in-class obstacle avoidance
- Smart AI flight system
- Good for basic mapping and inspections
- Excellent for utility inspections
- Strong performance in high-interference environments
Cons:
- Much slower data acquisition
- Limited creative features
- Only 4K 30fps video
- Expensive mapping software fees
- High base cost
- Additional costs for payloads and software
Price:
Starts at $11,500, up to $23,000+ with add-ons
5. Inspired Flight IF800 Tomcat
IF800 | Source: Inspired Flight
Inspired Flight is a drone manufacturing company that was founded in 2017. The company is known for its high-performance drones that are designed for professional and industrial use. Inspired Flight drones are known for their powerful cameras, long flight times, and durability.
The Inspired Flight IF800 Tomcat is a medium-lift industrial-grade drone that is designed for a variety of commercial and government applications.
It is the first NDAA-compliant industrial-grade drone to deliver a flight time of around 40 minutes while carrying some of the most popular high-resolution cameras and sensors out there.
The IF800 Tomcat can carry a payload of up to 3 kilograms, which is enough for a variety of popular cameras and sensors.
Key Features:
- Multiple camera payload options
- Auterion flight controller system
- Industrial-grade construction
- 4K 30fps video
- Interchangeable payload system
Pros:
- True platform design
- Rugged and capable
- Great for industrial applications
- US-manufactured
- Multiple payload options
Cons:
- Limited to 4K 30fps video
- Limited real-world testing data available
- Basic systems integration
Price:
Starting at $18,000
6. Sony Airpeak S1
Sony Airpeak S1 | Source: Sony
The Sony Airpeak S1 is a professional drone that is designed for filmmakers and photographers. It has a carbon fiber frame and a payload capacity of up to 11 pounds, making it ideal for carrying large cameras and lenses. The Airpeak S1 also features many advanced features, such as a built-in GPS, a return-to-home function, and obstacle avoidance.
Key Features:
- Compatible with Sony Alpha cameras
- Dual operation capability (pilot + camera operator)
- 22-minute flight time
- Wind resistance up to 44.7 mph
- Retractable landing gear
- Obstacle sensing in 5 directions
- Carbon fiber construction
- Proprietary flight controller
- Multiple camera control options
Pros:
- Exceptional camera compatibility with the Sony Alpha series
- Professional-grade build quality
- Superior wind resistance
- Impressive stability
- Detailed flight logs and diagnostics
- High-end gimbal system
- Quick-release propellers
Cons:
- Very high price point
- Camera not included
- Limited flight time
- Requires separate purchase of camera and lenses
- Complex setup process
- Limited mapping capabilities
- Steep learning curve
Price:
Around $9,000 (without camera)
7. Wingtra One
Wingtra One | Source: Wingtra
Wingtra is a Swiss company that specializes in high-performance mapping drones. Their drones are used by professionals in a variety of industries, including surveying, construction, and agriculture. Wingtra drones are known for their accuracy, reliability, and ease of use.
The Wingtra One is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing drone that is designed for high-precision aerial surveying and mapping. It is a popular choice for professionals in a variety of industries, including construction, engineering, and mining.
Key Features:
- VTOL capability
- Multi-camera options (Sony RX1R II/QX1)
- PPK GNSS positioning
- 59-minute flight time
- 400 hectares coverage on one flight
- Automated mission planning
- All-terrain landing capability
- Hot-swappable payloads
- Dual-frequency GNSS receiver
Pros:
- Exceptional coverage area
- High accuracy (down to 1cm)
- Long flight time
- Reliable in various weather conditions
- Fast data acquisition
- Efficient mapping workflow
- Easy to transport despite size
- Simple operation
Cons:
- High initial investment
- Limited maneuverability compared to quadcopters
- Requires larger takeoff/landing area
- Not suitable for inspection work
- Limited creative filming capabilities
- Specialized use case
- Weather limitations for VTOL operations
Price:
Starting at $25,000 (varies by configuration)
Among the eight U.S.-made drones listed above, watch the video to discover the top drone choices:
When considering the best U.S. drones that allow pilots to capture epic aerial video and flight autonomous missions for mapping deliverables, the list slims significantly.
Drone pilots ultimately want a portable, easy-to-use, and reliable drone. However, few drone manufacturers have been able to deliver that package at a reasonable price point.
Each of these drones brings something unique to the table, but if you’re looking for a true platform that can handle both creative and technical work without compromise, the Freefly Astro Prime stands out as the clear winner.
Domestically developed drones have ended up costing drone pilots more but they bring many advantages to our nation and to our economy.
Every cloud has a silver lining. Since the barrier to entry has gone up in the enterprise and government sectors, it could also mean higher paychecks and lower competition for seriously committed drone pilots.
How do you think American made drones will impact your drone business?
Do share your thoughts in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some examples of American consumer-oriented drones?
Several American drone manufacturers offer a range of products tailored for consumer use. Prominent examples include the Skydio 2 and the GoPro Karma Quadcopter.
These drones boast features like obstacle avoidance and portability, making them excellent choices for recreational purposes.
2. Are EXO drones produced in the United States?
No, EXO drones are not manufactured in the United States.
They are produced in collaboration with partners based in Hong Kong, while the company is legally owned, operated, and maintains warehousing within the United States.
3. Is DJI a U.S. drone company?
DJI is not an American company; it is a Chinese manufacturer known for producing drones. For a significant period, DJI held a dominant position in the U.S. drone market.
The U.S. Department of Defense and numerous American lawmakers have raised concerns about DJI being a potential national security risk.
4. Who is the number 1 drone manufacturer?
DJI holds the position of the world’s leading drone manufacturer. With a global market share exceeding 70%, DJI is renowned for its combination of top-tier quality and affordability. DJI drones cater to a diverse clientele, spanning from individual consumers to professionals and various businesses. They serve a multitude of functions, encompassing aerial photography, videography, agricultural applications, construction, and public safety.
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