The Future of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS): Secure supply chains and scalable production through an expanded US industrial base
It’s believed that the country that dominates UAS (drone) production will have a global advantage for decades to come. Not only do UAS have a profound impact on commercial operations, but they are highly sought-after assets in the military right now. Among these, Group 2 UAS—weighing between 21 and 55 pounds—are a pivotal category, balancing portability with payload capacity, to support a wide range of missions. The US has a nascent UAS production capability, which needs to quickly scale to meet both economic and mission demands. This has been reinforced with the Executive Order 14307 titled “Unleashing American Drone Dominance” issued on June 6, 2025, that calls for “strengthening the domestic drone industrial base and promoting the export of trusted, American-manufactured UAS through updated economic policies and regulation, coordinated trade, financing, and foreign engagement tools.” Expanding the US industrial base for UAS manufacturing is critical—rapid scalability and a secure supply chain are essential to effectively meet evolving security requirements and strengthen the nation’s posture on the global stage.
Expanding use cases and adoption
Group 2 UAS are utilized for missions that demand endurance, flexibility, and sophisticated payloads. In defense, these drones support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, providing real-time data to inform decision-making. Commercial sectors are leveraging Group 2 UAS for precision agriculture, energy infrastructure inspection, and construction site monitoring—applications where their extended flight times and sensor versatility deliver measurable value. Many public safety agencies are also embracing these platforms for disaster response, search and rescue, and law enforcement, enhancing operational effectiveness while reducing risk to personnel.
Technology driving transformation
Recent advances in autonomy, sensor integration, and communications are redefining what Group 2 UAS can achieve. Artificial intelligence enables drones to navigate complex environments, avoid obstacles, and execute missions with minimal human intervention. Enhanced payloads—ranging from high-resolution cameras to multispectral sensors—are expanding the scope of actionable insights. Secure, long-range communications and mesh networking are enabling operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), unlocking new possibilities for data collection and collaboration.
The imperative of a secure supply chain
As Group 2 UAS become increasingly integral to critical operations, the integrity and security of their supply chains have emerged as a strategic priority. Organizations need to be confident that every component—from hardware and firmware to software and data links—is sourced, manufactured, and integrated with rigorous standards for cybersecurity and governance. A secure supply chain helps mitigate risks of tampering, counterfeit parts, and cyber vulnerabilities, protecting both operational continuity and sensitive data.
Building resilience into the UAS supply chain requires several factors, including:
- Vendor due diligence: Vetting suppliers for compliance with security protocols and regulatory requirements.
- End-to-end visibility: Leveraging digital tools to track components throughout their life cycle.
- Continuous monitoring: Implementing robust processes for threat detection and response across the ecosystem.
By prioritizing supply chain security, organizations can confidently deploy Group 2 UAS in mission-critical environments, knowing that their platforms are protected against evolving threats.
The power of scalable production
Meeting growing demand for Group 2 UAS requires production that is fast, flexible, and reliable.
Scalable manufacturing enables organizations to:
- Respond rapidly to surges in demand for defense, emergency, or commercial needs.
- Lower costs through economies of scale and modular design.
- Maintain consistent quality and compliance across every unit.
- Integrate new technologies quickly to stay ahead of evolving requirements.
Scalable production is the backbone of resilient UAS programs, enabling organizations to deploy fleets efficiently and confidently.
Deloitte and KIHOMAC: Engineering the next generation
In July 2025, Deloitte collaborated with KIHOMAC, Inc. to deliver next-gen Group 2 UAS that are National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) compliant, secure, and built for scale. This collaboration offers end-to-end solutions—from scalable production to systems integration and customization—providing mission-ready drones that are affordable, modular, and future-ready. Contributing to the growing US industrial base, this relationship aims to help drive secure domestic UAS production while enabling the country to stay agile and equipped for years to come.
Looking ahead
Group 2 UAS drones are at the forefront of a new era in aerial intelligence. As capabilities advance and barriers to adoption fall, countries that embrace these technologies—and prioritize a secure supply chain with scalable production—will be better-positioned to drive operational excellence and unlock new sources of value. By strengthening the US industrial base with new relationships and mission-ready drones, Deloitte is helping to engineer the next generation of UAS. The future of UAS is not just about flight—it’s about transforming how the US sees, understands, and interacts with the world, securely and confidently.
Oniel Cross
Jason Bowers
