The American drone industry is entering a new phase of growth and regulation. According to industry reports, the USA drone market will reach $31.34 billion by the end of 2034. A major reason for this growth is the rising demand for American-made drones.
Across public safety, utilities, and infrastructure sectors, many organizations are moving away from foreign-made aircraft, especially DJI, because of national security and data privacy concerns.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) restricts the Department of Defense (DoD) and its contractors from using drones or components sourced from “covered foreign entities”. This includes components from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
In 2025, these rules became stricter. States such as Florida, Arkansas, and Tennessee now ban Chinese-made drones for public safety and government work. As a result, many programs have had to replace old fleets with secure, approved US alternatives.
This shift also supports domestic innovation. American-made drones offer secure, serviceable, and high-performance platforms that meet strict standards for government and enterprise missions. They are no longer a niche choice. Today, professionals who care about data security and reliability are choosing U.S.-made drones as the standard.
This article focuses on professional operations in public safety and government, utilities and infrastructure inspections, and enterprise mapping and ISR missions. When operations involve regulated airspace or government funding, American-made and NDAA-compliant drones are required.
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?
An “American-made drone” does not simply mean a drone sold by a U.S. company. In professional and government operations, the term usually refers to a drone that meets NDAA compliance requirements and follows strict supply-chain security rules.
In practice, this means the drone avoids components and software sourced from restricted foreign entities.
The NDAA prevents the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) from purchasing drones that fall into either of these categories:
- Drones or parts made in a covered foreign country or by a company based in that country.
- Drones that use major components such as flight controllers, radios, cameras, gimbals, ground control systems, or operating software manufactured in or controlled by those countries or by a company based there.
Section 848 of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), first identified China as the “covered foreign country.” Subsequently, in 2022, Congress expanded the definition to include Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The definition later widened further to include private companies that operate under the jurisdiction of these countries.
Since October 2024, private companies working on DoD-funded projects have also been prohibited from operating DJI drones.
Where Blue UAS Fits In
Some drones qualify for government use through the Blue UAS Cleared List, managed by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). Drones on this list pass additional reviews for cybersecurity, supply-chain integrity, and operational readiness. These drones are cleared for government use and do not require special policy exceptions.
Importantly, approval is drone-specific, not manufacturer-specific. A company may sell both compliant and non-compliant models at the same time, which makes configuration selection critical.
The Blue sUAS 2.0 project has incorporated the following drones into the DIU Blue UAS Cleared List:
- ANAFI UKR and ANAFI USA GOV/MIL, by Parrot
- eBee Tac, by senseFly (an AgEagle company)
- WingtraOne Gen II, by Wingtra
- Spirit, by Ascent AeroSystems
- Osprey (Free Flight Version), by Easy Aerial
- Alta X – Blue Package, by Freefly Systems
- X2D and X10D, by Skydio
- Edge 130, by Flightwave
- Vector, by Quantum Systems
- IF800 and IF1200A, by Inspired Flight
Some drones made outside the U.S. still qualify if they meet the same strict security standards. These drones are often used for public safety work, utility inspections, mapping, and other sensitive missions.
Because of these rules, many public safety departments and government agencies can no longer use their older Chinese-made fleets.
As a result, programs across the country have been replacing their fleets with secure, NDAA-compliant alternatives designed and supported by U.S. manufacturers.
For more information, check out our detailed drone guide for public safety that compares many domestically made drones.
As NDAA rules tighten, more U.S. companies are stepping up with secure and reliable drones built for public safety, inspection, and enterprise use. Let’s explore 7 of the best American-made drones in 2026.
Best American-Made Drones by Mission (2026)
American-made and NDAA-compliant drones now cover a wide range of professional missions. The right choice depends less on specs and more on how you plan to fly, what data you collect, and which compliance rules apply to your work.
How We Evaluated These American-Made Drones
We evaluated each drone based on regulatory compliance, mission fit, and real-world use.
Our assessment prioritized NDAA and Blue UAS status, payload support, flight endurance, autonomy, and field reliability.
We examined how teams use these drones in public safety, mapping, inspection, and ISR missions, using manufacturer documentation, program adoption, and training examples.
This guide includes only drones built for professional and government operations.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison table to help you quickly identify the best American-made drone for your mission.
| Drone | Price | Weight | Flight Time | Best Use Cases |
| Freefly Astro Max | $28,995 | ~6 kg | 43 minutes | Enterprise mapping & inspections |
| Parrot Anafi USA GOV/MIL | Around $7,000–$14,000, | 500–550 g | 32 minutes | Public safety / thermal ISR |
| ACSL SOTEN | $16,660 | ~1.7 Kg | 25 minutes | Mapping, inspections |
| Skydio X10 | Starting at $21,000. | ~2.11-2.16 Kg | 40 minutes | Tactical ISR / public safety |
| Inspired Flight IF800 Tomcat | Starting at $23,000 | 8.5 Kg w/ batteries | 54 minutes | Heavy payload mapping / LiDAR |
| Teal 2 | Varies | ~1.25 kg | 30+ minutes | Night operations / tactical ISR |
| Anduril Ghost | Custom | 17 Kg | Up to 60 min | Defense ISR & force protection |
Here are the top NDAA-compliant options available in the market:
- Freefly Astro Max(Blue): Best overall enterprise platform
- Parrot Anafi USA GOV/MIL: Best value for public safety
- ACSL SOTEN: Best compact mapping drone
- Skydio X10D: Best autonomous ISR drone
- Inspired Flight IF800 Tomcat: Best for heavy sensors and LiDAR
- Teal 2: Best for night and thermal missions
- Anduril Ghost X: Best for defense and force protection
Let’s take a closer look at each of these drones and discover their features, capabilities, and limitations.
1. Freefly Astro Max (NDAA/Blue UAS)
Freefly Astro Max | Source: Freefly
Company: Freefly Systems
Headquarters: Washington, USA
Founded: 2011
Website: https://freeflysystems.com/
The Freefly Astro Max is the newest and most powerful drone in the Astro series. It’s built for professionals who need a secure, high-performance platform for mapping, inspections, or enterprise work.
Compared to earlier Astro models, the Astro Max delivers more thrust, higher payload capacity, and longer flight times. It’s both NDAA-compliant and DIU Blue UAS-approved, making it suitable for government and critical infrastructure missions. The Astro Max Blue is a top-tier option when data security and sensor flexibility matter more than price.
The standard (non-Blue) version does not meet NDAA requirements, so model selection is critical if you operate under government or compliance-driven programs.
Key Features:
- 61 MP full-frame Sony ILX-LR1 camera
- Up to 43 minutes of flight time
- RTK L1/L2 positioning for high-accuracy mapping
- LTE cloud connectivity for remote operations
- Long-range Doodle Labs RF (NDAA/DIU Blue certified)
- Pre-installed Galaxy Tab Active5 tablet
- Real-time drone and gimbal speed limits
- Advanced Pilot Pro remote
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent mapping accuracy with LR1 | High upfront cost |
| Strong payload support for enterprise sensors | Requires specialized batteries and accessories |
| Stable flight performance in wind | Overkill for small or budget-limited teams |
| Modular camera system with thermal and rangefinder options | |
| Approved for government and critical infrastructure missions |
2. Parrot Anafi USA GOV/MIL
Parrot Anafi USA | Source: Parrot
Company: Parrot
Headquarters: Paris, France (Built in the USA)
Founded: 1994
Website: https://www.parrot.com/
The Parrot Anafi USA GOV/MIL is a rugged, NDAA-compliant drone designed for government and public safety operations. It is lightweight, fast to deploy, and nd built to handle tough conditions.
The GOV and MIL variants are manufactured in the United States and appear on the DIU Blue UAS Cleared List. This makes both the variants suitable for federally funded and regulated operations.
Anafi USA combines a 32× zoom dual camera with a FLIR Boson thermal sensor in a single compact payload. You can capture detailed inspection and situational data without swapping cameras or recalibrating in the field. This makes it effective for law enforcement, search and rescue, firefighting, and rapid-response inspections.
Key Features:
- 21 MP dual cameras with 32× zoom
- FLIR Boson thermal camera
- 4K HDR video
- Up to 32 minutes of flight time
- IP53-rated dust and rain resistance
- AES-XTS encrypted SD card
- Operating temperature from –32°C to +50°C
- NDAA-compliant and Blue UAS-approved
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong zoom and thermal imaging | More expensive than consumer drones |
| Lightweight and easy to carry | Uses digital zoom only |
| Secure onboard data handling | Not designed for creative or cinematic work |
| Rugged field design | Limited third-party payload integrations |
| Works well in extreme temperatures |
Price:
Around $7,000–$14,000, depending on the GOV or MIL version.
3. ACSL SOTEN
Company: Autonomous Control Systems Laboratory Ltd. (ACSL)
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Founded: 2013
Website: https://acsl-usa.com/ (U.S.-based subsidiary)
Developed by an ex-DJI engineer, ACSL SOTEN offers Phantom 4 Pro-level capabilities in an NDAA-compliant package.
It is compact, lightweight, and designed for mapping, inspections, and public safety missions. Its global shutter camera helps capture distortion-free imagery. It also supports multiple payloads, including thermal options, making it a flexible choice for enterprise and government users.
Although ACSL is a Japanese company, SOTEN is sold and supported in the U.S. through ACSL USA and meets NDAA supply-chain requirements. It is widely used in regulated enterprises and government-adjacent programs. However, it is not consistently listed on the DIU Blue UAS Cleared List.
Choose ACSL SOTEN if you want a compact, NDAA-compliant mapping or inspection drone that replaces DJI-class platforms without complexity.
Key Features:
- 20MP 1-inch global shutter camera
- 4K/30fps video
- Swappable payloads (RGB, IR, EO/IR)
- Up to 25 minutes of flight time
- Compact foldable design
- AES-encrypted data handling
- NDAA compliant
| Pros | Cons |
| Global shutter for accurate mapping | Limited video frame rates |
| Small and portable | Smaller ecosystem compared to U.S. manufacturers |
| Great for inspections | Not ideal for cinematic work |
| Multiple payload options | |
| Reasonable price point |
Price:
Around $16,660
4. Skydio X10
Skydio X10 | Source: Skydio
Company: Skydio, Inc.
Headquarters: San Mateo, California, USA
Founded: 2014
Website: https://www.skydio.com/
Skydio is known for its industry-leading autonomous flight systems. The X10 sets the standard for AI-powered obstacle avoidance. It’s one of the smartest autonomous drones in production as it uses advanced computer vision to navigate complex environments.
The X10 is equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal sensors, enabling detailed imaging under a variety of conditions. This makes it a versatile tool for industries like infrastructure inspection, firefighting, and law enforcement.
Skydio also offers the X10D, a defense variant of the X10. The “D” stands for Defense indicating that this drone is fully NDAA-compliant and listed on the Blue UAS Cleared List.
Key Features:
- 48MP wide camera
- 64MP zoom camera
- FLIR Boson+ thermal camera
- Up to 40 minutes of flight time
- Advanced AI obstacle avoidance
- Strong performance in low-GPS environments
| Pros | Cons |
| Best-in-class autonomous obstacle avoidance | Expensive compared to other tactical drones |
| Reliable in complex and cluttered environments | Limited payload capacity for heavy sensors |
| Excellent thermal and night vision with Boson+ | Less suitable for mapping or cinematic work |
| Strong thermal performance for ISR and public safety |
Price:
Starting at $21,000
To explore how Skydio X10 performs in real-world conditions, watch the Skydio X10 comprehensive review video.
5. Inspired Flight IF800 Tomcat
IF800 | Source: Inspired Flight
Company: Inspired Flight Technologies, Inc.
Headquarters: San Luis Obispo, California, USA
Founded: 2017
Website: https://inspiredflight.com/
Inspired Flight is a U.S. drone manufacturer founded in 2017. The company builds high-performance drones for professional and industrial use. Their drones are known for strong payload options, long flight times, and durable designs.
The Inspired Flight IF800 Tomcat is a durable, mid-lift drone built for industrial and government applications. It is a strong choice for inspection teams, public safety departments, and mapping professionals.
It’s fully NDAA-compliant and Blue sUAS certified. With a 3 kg payload capacity and dual-battery setup, it can stay airborne for nearly an hour. This makes it suitable for teams transitioning from DJI M300-class workflows without sacrificing capability.
Key Features:
- Up to 54 minutes of flight time with a dual battery system
- Includes Blue Herelink ground control station
- Industrial-grade airframe for tough environments
- Supports Sony, Sentera, LiDAR, and other custom payloads
| Pros | Cons |
| Made and supported in the USA | Higher price than some similar drones |
| Long flight time | Limited camera ecosystem compared to larger brands |
| Easy to deploy and transport | Not ideal for cinematic or creative filming |
| Fully compliant with NDAA and Blue sUAS programs | |
| Flexible payload support |
Price:
Starting at $23,000
6. Teal 2
Teal 2 | Source: Air Force Technology
Company: Teal Drones (Red Cat Holdings)
Headquarters: Salt Lake City, Utah
Founded: 2014
Website: https://tealdrones.com/
The Teal 2 is a compact, NDAA-compliant professional drone built for night operations and tactical intelligence work. It is designed for defense, law enforcement, and critical infrastructure teams that operate in low-light or high-risk environments.
Teal 2 is listed on the DIU Blue sUAS Cleared List, which makes it eligible for federal and defense-funded programs. The platform focuses on rapid deployment, secure communications, and reliable thermal imaging rather than mapping or payload expansion.
It’s lightweight, quick to deploy, and built to handle demanding field conditions. It works best for teams that value speed, security, and situational awareness over mapping accuracy or payload flexibility.
Key Features:
- FLIR Hadron 640R EO/IR sensor
- Over 30 minutes of flight time
- AES-256 encrypted communication link
- Compact and portable design
- NDAA-compliant and Blue sUAS listed
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong thermal and low-light performance | Limited payload capacity |
| Lightweight and easy to carry | Not built for mapping or cinematic work |
| Secure, encrypted data links | |
| Reliable for professional tactical use |
Price:
Mid-range (Varies by configuration)
7. Anduril Ghost / Ghost X
Anduril GhostX | Source: Anduril
Company: Anduril Industries
Headquarters: California, USA
Founded: 2017
Website: https://www.anduril.com/
The Anduril Ghost family is a series of American-made tactical drones built for military and defense missions. Both Ghost and Ghost X are NDAA-compliant and listed on the Blue sUAS Cleared List. They offer long endurance, modular payload options, and strong autonomous capabilities.
Using the Lattice AI system, these drones support multi-vehicle teaming and autonomous mission execution. Ghost X expands on the original Ghost design by offering longer endurance and greater flexibility for field operations.
Key Features:
- Up to 1 hour flight time
- Modular EO/IR sensor options
- Lattice AI for autonomous mission planning and execution
- Multi-vehicle teaming support
- Fully NDAA-compliant and Blue sUAS approved
| Pros | Cons |
| Long endurance | Designed mainly for defense operations |
| Strong AI autonomy and mission software | High cost and complex setup |
| Modular payload system | Not intended for commercial or civilian workflows |
Price:
Custom pricing (based on model and payload)
Among the 7 U.S.-made drones listed above, watch the video to discover the top drone choices:
Next, let’s explore how to choose the best American-made drone for your needs.
How to Choose the Best American-Made Drone for Your Missions
Choosing the right American-made drone starts with understanding your mission and matching it to the right platform. Here are some key points to consider before choosing.
1. Start with Compliance Needs
First, determine whether you require NDAA or Blue sUAS approval.
NDAA compliance ensures your drone uses only secure, approved components.
Blue sUAS approval adds deeper cybersecurity testing and DoD evaluation. This level is essential for public safety, utilities, and government missions.
If you want to learn more about leading U.S. manufacturers, check out our Top 36 Drone Companies in 2025 guide.
2. Match the Drone to Your Mission and Payload
Choose sensors based on your task or mission.
Use thermal cameras for search and rescue, zoom lenses for inspections, and a global shutter, or LiDAR for mapping.
Also, check flight time. longer endurance suits for survey and mapping work, while shorter flights fit tactical or ISR missions.
Always confirm that the drone can carry your required payload without sacrificing stability or flight time.
3. Consider Autonomy, Durability, and Support
If your missions involve flying in tight or unpredictable spaces, strong autonomy and obstacle avoidance are important.
Check wind resistance, IP ratings, and temperature range for field reliability.
Finally, look beyond the aircraft. Long-term success depends on training, spare parts availability, software updates, and manufacturer support. These factors often matter more than headline specs over time.
Quick Tip:
Choose a drone that aligns with your mission, compliance level, and payload needs with the fewest compromises. The best platform is the one that delivers reliable results under your real operating conditions.
Key Takeaway
American-made drones are advancing fast. They now provide secure, reliable, and compliant platforms for professional pilots.
Still, the list of top U.S. drones that can capture cinematic footage and deliver accurate mapping data remains small.
Most drone pilots ultimately want a portable, easy-to-use, and reliable drone. However, few US drone manufacturers have achieved that balance at a reasonable cost.
These drones are driving U.S. innovation forward, helping pilots take on higher-value missions with greater confidence.
Each drone mentioned above brings something unique to the table. Some excel in autonomy, others in flight time, sensors, or data security.
Choosing the right drone is not just a purchase decision. It’s a long-term operational commitment. Use this guide as a starting point, then validate each platform against your mission requirements before you fly.
Ready to explore more?
Here are helpful guides you can read next:
- Best Thermal Drones to Buy (2026)
- Drone Mapping Guide: Everything You Need to Know
- Drone Laws in the USA [2026]
- The Top 36 Drone Companies in 2025
How do you think American-made drones will impact your drone business?
Do share your thoughts in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are American-made drones required for government contracts?
Not always, but many government contracts require NDAA-compliant drones. Federal agencies, defense programs, and some state-funded projects may also require Blue sUAS–approved drones. Always check contract and agency requirements before procurement.
2. What does NDAA compliance mean for drones?
NDAA compliance means a specific drone model avoids components and software sourced from restricted foreign entities, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Compliance applies to the drone model, not the manufacturer as a whole.
3. Is Blue UAS required for public safety departments?
Blue UAS is not mandatory for all public safety agencies, but many departments prefer or require it.
Blue UAS drones undergo deeper cybersecurity and supply-chain reviews and are often required for federally funded or defence-adjacent programs.
4. Are all American-made drones NDAA compliant?
No. A drone can be built or assembled in the United States and still fail NDAA requirements if it uses restricted components or software.
Always verify compliance at the model and configuration level.
5. Can non-U.S. drones be NDAA-compliant?
Yes. Some drones manufactured outside the United States qualify as NDAA-compliant if they meet strict supply-chain and cybersecurity standards.
However, not all of these platforms appear on the Blue UAS Cleared List.
6. Are DJI drones NDAA-compliant?
No. DJI drones are not NDAA-compliant and are prohibited for Department of Defense use.
Since 2024, many DoD contractors and government-funded programs have restricted the use of DJI drones.
7. What’s the difference between NDAA compliance and Blue UAS approval?
NDAA compliance focuses on component and supply-chain restrictions.
Blue UAS approval adds DoD-level cybersecurity testing, operational evaluation, and formal clearance. Blue UAS is stricter and more limited.
8. Which American-made drone is best for mapping?
For mapping and surveying, drones with global shutter cameras, RTK support, and long flight times perform best.
Platforms like Freefly Astro Max (Blue) and Inspired Flight IF800 Tomcat are common choices for compliant mapping workflows.
9. Which American-made drone is best for public safety?
Public safety teams often choose compact, fast-deploy drones with thermal sensors, such as Parrot Anafi USA GOV/MIL, Skydio X10D, or Teal 2, depending on mission and compliance needs.
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