FAA Expands BEYOND Program to Normalize Drone Operations

The Federal Aviation Administration is launching Phase 2 of its BEYOND drone program, an initiative designed to double the program's size by adding up to eight new state, local, tribal, and territorial participants. The expansion aims to normalize beyond visual line of sight operations for infrastructure inspection, agriculture, and package delivery.

To manage increased airspace congestion, the agency is developing an Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management system. This digital information-sharing framework is intended to replace traditional radio-based air traffic control. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the regulatory push ensures the United States remains competitive against foreign adversaries, specifically China, which currently dominates the commercial drone supply chain.

While the U.S. expands commercial integration, the United Nations has reported a global increase in drone-led violence against civilians and aid workers in conflict zones, including Gaza, Myanmar, Sudan, and Ukraine. These developments have led to calls for the G-7 and the United Nations to update international humanitarian laws to address the rise of mechanized aerial warfare.