Urge Ohio expansion of manufacturing of domestic drones
House Resolution 11 urges the State of Ohio to expand domestic drone manufacturing in order to reduce reliance on Chinese-made drones and strengthen national security, cybersecurity, and economic competitiveness. The resolution frames drones as an increasingly important technology for commercial, agricultural, transportation, surveillance, and defense uses, and argues that Ohio is well positioned to become a leader in this sector because of its manufacturing base, research institutions, and skilled workforce.
The resolution calls on state leaders and agencies to promote and incentivize drone production within Ohio, including through tax incentives, grants, research and development support, workforce training, and partnerships with federal agencies, local governments, academic institutions, and private industry. It also encourages the creation of a state-level task force to study risks associated with foreign-manufactured drones and to recommend strategies for encouraging domestically produced alternatives. The measure is a nonbinding resolution, so it does not itself change statutory law, but it signals policy priorities and could influence future economic development, procurement, and workforce initiatives.
HR 11 does not amend the Ohio Revised Code or create enforceable requirements; instead, it expresses the House’s view and urges executive-branch and other state actors to prioritize domestic drone manufacturing. Its practical impact would be indirect, potentially shaping future state economic development programs, research partnerships, workforce training efforts, and incentive policies aimed at drone companies, especially those focused on security and defense applications. It also highlights concerns about foreign-made drones, particularly Chinese manufacturers, and their implications for data privacy and cybersecurity.
The bill appears generally favorable and forward-looking in tone, with the resolution presenting domestic drone manufacturing as an economic development opportunity and a national security necessity. Because there were no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, there is no evidence of formal opposition in the available record. The text itself reflects strong support for industrial policy, innovation, and security-focused manufacturing within Ohio.
The main point of contention is the reliance on foreign-made drones, especially those from China, which the resolution portrays as a risk to cybersecurity, privacy, and national security. Supporters of the resolution are likely to favor state incentives, public-private partnerships, and workforce investments to build a domestic industry, while critics might question whether the state should prioritize this sector, whether the security concerns are overstated, or whether incentives and task forces are the best use of state resources. No specific opposing arguments or named opponents appear in the available materials.