Choctaw Nation Selected for Federal Drone Testing Program

The Choctaw Nation drone testing program is placing southeastern Oklahoma at the center of the future of aviation technology.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has selected the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma as one of only two new locations nationwide for its Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Test Site Program. The designation allows testing of advanced drone operations that go beyond what is currently permitted under federal aviation rules.

Choctaw Nation Drone Testing Advances Aviation Innovation

According to the U.S. DOT and Federal Aviation Administration, the program will focus on beyond visual line-of-sight flights, increased autonomous drone operations, and advanced air mobility, including cargo delivery and emergency response use cases.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said drones are already reshaping industries such as agriculture, infrastructure inspection, disaster response, and public safety. The expanded test program is designed to accelerate innovation while maintaining safety standards.

The Choctaw Nation drone testing site will allow companies and researchers to operate aircraft that cannot be directly seen by pilots, a key step toward widespread commercial drone deployment.

Economic and Technological Impact for Oklahoma

Tribal leaders say the designation strengthens Oklahoma’s growing role in aerospace and emerging technology. The test site is expected to attract private-sector partnerships, create high-skilled jobs, and support research and development in rural communities.

The FAA notes that controlled testing environments like the Choctaw Nation site are critical to safely integrating drones into national airspace.

Additional oversight and data reporting will be required as part of the federal program, with safety reviews conducted by the FAA.

Authoritative sources include the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, and official statements from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

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