Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 303 Defense Production Act of 1950, as Amended

This determination invokes Section 303 of the Defense Production Act to declare that domestic production capability for small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS/drones) is essential to national defense. It authorizes DOD purchases or commitments to incentivize domestic drone manufacturing, citing that industry cannot meet defense needs without presidential intervention.

Federal Register Open PDF 84 FR 27701

Key directives

Determine domestic sUAS production capability essential to national defense per DPA §303(a)(5)
Authorize use of purchase commitments and other Section 303 actions as most cost-effective method
Direct Secretary of Defense to publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Secretary of Defense · Department of Defense

Timeline

Immediate

Determination takes effect upon signing
Authority to use DPA Section 303 purchase powers activated

Near term (90d)

DOD may issue purchase commitments or contracts to domestic sUAS producers

Long term

Potential restructuring of domestic drone supply chain away from foreign (particularly Chinese) manufacturers
Establishment of sustained domestic sUAS industrial base

Risks & tensions

Vague on scope: no dollar figures, specific programs, or manufacturers identified
May target Chinese drone market dominance (DJI) but does not name countries or firms
Tension between expedited DPA authority and normal procurement competition requirements
Unclear coordination with FAA regulatory framework for commercial/military drone operations