Indiana wins national drone test site designation

INDIANAPOLIS (INDIANA CAPITAL CHRONICLE) — The Trump administration on Thursday announced Indiana as one of two new national drone test sites — a designation that could attract jobs and spending from the industry.

Sen. Todd Young, who spearheaded the effort to land the site, applauded the move.

“It means that we have the ability and the private companies and universities and military will have ability to fly drones in Indiana’s airspace, which in turn will lead to more research and development, military exercises, more commercial development of drones in the state of Indiana and ultimately more manufacturing of advanced drones in the state,” he told the Indiana Capital Chronicle.

“From an economic development standpoint, it burnishes our reputation … as a cutting-edge state for excellence and innovation,” he added.

Oklahoma was chosen as the second new site, according to the Federal Aviation Administration’s website.

“From delivering lifesaving medicine to surveying pipelines, drones are already reshaping industries and changing how people and products interact. It’s our job to make sure the United States safely leads the way with this exciting technol...