U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton of Arkansas have joined with Texas Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn to introduce the SkyFoundry Act of 2025. The proposed legislation aims to establish a Department of Defense drone production facility at the Red River Army Depot, focusing on developing, producing, and deploying drones for military use.
Boozman emphasized the dedication of Red River Army Depot personnel, stating, “The men and women of the Red River Army Depot are committed to providing our servicemembers with the tools they need to defend our nation. With unmanned aircraft systems playing an increasingly prominent role in modern warfare, tasking them with developing and sustaining an adequate supply of drone systems would be a win for this skilled workforce and our armed forces. I am pleased to join my colleagues to champion this effort and the Arkansans whose vital contributions to Red River support our national security and local economy.”
Cotton highlighted the strategic importance for military readiness: “Large-scale manufacturing of small drones is critical to the Army’s current and future operational capability. This bill is a win for national security and for Arkansas as the Skyfoundry program presents a unique opportunity to more fully utilize the Army’s organic industrial base by positioning Red River Army Depot to meet the Army’s emerging requirements.”
Cruz pointed out that this move would strengthen American leadership in defense technology: “Establishing a drone manufacturing facility at the Red River Army Depot will help ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of drone production. I’m proud to see the Lone Star State continuing to lead in defense innovation, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to swiftly pass this legislation.”
Cornyn addressed international competition: “Russia and China are currently outpacing America in scalable drone production and investment, making us vulnerable to national security threats if left unmatched. This legislation seeks to close this gap and help ensure America remains competitive with our foreign adversaries by establishing a new innovation and production facility that would rapidly improve our ability to develop, test, and mass-produce small unmanned aircraft systems.”
The SkyFoundry Act calls for creating both a production facility and an innovation center dedicated to small unmanned aircraft systems at Red River Army Depot. The act proposes using a Government-Owned, Government-Operated Contractor Augmented (GOGO/CA) model that incorporates military staff alongside civilian employees and contractors. It also encourages collaboration through public-private partnerships involving industry partners, academic institutions, and nonprofits.
Senator Boozman has previously supported funding initiatives benefiting Red River Army Depot workers—securing $47 million in 2024 for workforce support as well as advancing another $93 million through Senate appropriations channels as part of broader military construction efforts.
The initiative has received endorsements from local organizations such as the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce and TexAmericas Center.
In addition, similar legislation was introduced in the U.S. House by Congressman Pat Harrigan from North Carolina’s 10th District.
