According to industry reports, the USA market will reach $31.34 billion by the end of 2034. 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 American made drones has seen a northward trend.
This shift stems from security concerns and the requirement for compliance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
And it comes with 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 now becoming a mandatory choice in private enterprises and government organizations alike.
In this article, we’ll explore the best American-made drones, highlighting their features and capabilities so you can make an informed choice.
Let’s first understand what exactly US-made drones are.
What Do American Made Drones Exactly Mean?
American made drones built in the USA and NDAA-approved.
In the drone industry, “NDAA compliance” means “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
While the choices are increasing by each passing day, we have curated a list of top American drones 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 closer look at each of these drones and discover their features, capabilities, and limitations.
1. Freefly Astro Prime
Freefly Astro | Source: Freefly
Company: Freefly Systems
Headquarters: Washington, USA
Founded In: 2011
Website: https://freeflysystems.com/
The Freefly Astro Prime 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. It can adapt to any mission with multiple lens options, giving you creative and technical flexibility.
You can experience buttery-smooth flight with responsive and intuitive controls, making your missions more efficient and precise. It is also secure, reliable, and approved for government and enterprise operations in the U.S.
Check out this video to know why Astro Prime tops in our list of the best American made drones:
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 | Cons |
| Creative and technical pursuits capability | Highly expensive |
| Full-frame camera system | Costs extra for NDAA approved kit |
| 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 |
Price:
$32,000 (Essentials Kit), Higher for NDAA-approved package
2. Parrot Anafi Ai
Company: Parrot
Headquarters: Paris, France
Founded In: 1994
Website: https://www.parrot.com/
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 | Cons |
| Affordable | Linear rolling shutter |
| Lightweight and portable | Slow data processing |
| Unlimited distance capability | Limited to 4K 30fps |
| 400ft USB-C tethered option | Gimbal smoothness issues |
| Great for BVLOS training | Wonky zoom functionality |
Price:
Around $4,000
3. ACSL SOTEN
Company: Autonomous Control Systems Laboratory Ltd. (ACSL)
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Founded In: 2013
Website: https://acsl-usa.com/
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 | Cons |
| Global shutter for accurate mapping | Limited to 4K 30fps video |
| Small and portable | Limited creative capabilities |
| Great for inspections | Not ideal for cinematic work |
| Multiple payload options | |
| Reasonable price point |
Price:
Around $10,000
4. Skydio X10
Company: Skydio, Inc.
Headquarters: San Mateo, California, USA
Founded In: 2014
Website: https://www.skydio.com/
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 | Cons |
| Best-in-class obstacle avoidance | Much slower data acquisition |
| Smart AI flight system | Limited creative features |
| Good for basic mapping and inspections | Only 4K 30fps video |
| Excellent for utility inspections | Expensive mapping software fees |
| Strong performance in high-interference environments | High base cost |
Price:
Starts at $11,500, up to $23,000+ with add-ons
5. Inspired Flight IF800 Tomcat
IF800 | Source: Inspired Flight
Company: Inspired Flight Technologies, Inc.
Headquarters: San Luis Obispo, California, USA
Founded In: 2017
Website: https://inspiredflight.com/
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 | Cons |
| True platform design | Limited to 4K 30fps video |
| Rugged and capable | Limited real-world testing data available |
| Great for industrial applications | Basic systems integration |
| US-manufactured | |
| Multiple payload options |
Price:
Starting at $18,000
6. Sony Airpeak S1
Sony Airpeak S1 | Source: Sony
Company: Sony Group Corporation
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Founded In: 1946
Website: https://pro.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 | Cons |
| Exceptional camera compatibility with the Sony Alpha series | Very high price point |
| Professional-grade build quality | Requires separate purchase of camera and lenses |
| Superior wind resistance | Complex setup process |
| Impressive stability | Limited mapping capabilities |
| Detailed flight logs and diagnostics | Steep learning curve |
| High-end gimbal system | |
| Quick-release propellers |
Price:
Around $9,000 (without camera)
7. Wingtra One
Wingtra One | Source: Wingtra
Company: Wingtra AG
Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland
Founded In: 2017
Website: https://wingtra.com/
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 | Cons |
| Exceptional coverage area | High initial investment |
| High accuracy (down to 1cm) | Limited maneuverability compared to quadcopters |
| Long flight time | Requires larger takeoff/landing area |
| Reliable in various weather conditions | Limited creative filming capabilities |
| Fast data acquisition | Weather limitations for VTOL operations |
| Efficient mapping workflow | Not suitable for inspection work |
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.
5. What is the US most advanced drone?
The most advanced US drone is the Astra Prime, designed for professionals who need high performance and flexibility. It excels in precision mapping and extended flight times, with the ability to handle everything from cinematic filming to large-scale inspections.
6. Is Parrot drone a U.S. company?
No, Parrot is a French company founded in 1994 by Henri Seydoux.
3
Add Your Comment