America's Drone Lag: Why Commercial Markets Are the Key to Defense Innovation

America's drone industry is hampered not by technological shortcomings, but by the FAA's outdated regulations stifling large-scale commercial drone adoption. In contrast, Europe's more permissive regulatory environment has fostered companies like Manna, whose commercial success underpins military applications. The article argues that a thriving commercial drone market would revitalize America's defense industrial base, driving down costs, accelerating innovation, and breaking free from reliance on established defense contractors, mirroring Lockheed's WWII success built on a foundation of commercial aviation. The author calls for the US to emulate European and Chinese approaches, streamlining regulations, and supporting commercial drone development to gain a future defense advantage.