LEAD Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Leading Exports of Aerial Drones Act of 2025, aims to significantly alter the export control classification of specific unmanned aircraft systems. It mandates that certain reusable unmanned aircraft systems , currently listed under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Annex, be reclassified. The primary goal is to treat these "covered unmanned aircraft systems and items" as manned aircraft systems for export control purposes. Under the proposed changes, these UAS would no longer be considered launch vehicles, missile technology, or missile equipment subject to the stringent controls of the Missile Technology Control Regime . The President would be required to amend the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) within 180 days to reflect this new classification. This includes subjecting covered UAS to the same export control provisions and review criteria as manned aircraft, while also establishing separate, specific export control provisions tailored to their unique characteristics. The bill explicitly states that the United States policy will be to treat these systems as manned aircraft for MTCR implementation, including for co-production and co-development agreements.