LEAD Act of 2025

This bill amends the Arms Export Control Act to change how certain reusable drones and related items are treated for export control purposes. It directs that these items be regulated like manned aircraft, not like missile technology, and that the United States adopt this policy for the Missile Technology Control Regime.

Sec. 2, Arms export controls for covered unmanned aircraft systems and items: This section adds a new subsection to the Arms Export Control Act stating that, for transfers under that Act, covered unmanned aircraft systems and items (reusable drones and related items listed in the Missile Technology Control Regime Annex and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations) must be treated as manned aircraft systems and items and not as missile technology subject to Missile Technology Control Regime controls. It also adds a statement of policy that the United States will treat these items as manned aircraft for implementing the Missile Technology Control Regime. Within 180 days, the President must update the International Traffic in Arms Regulations to reflect this treatment, including reviewing them under criteria specific to their characteristics and treating them separately from missile technology for co-production and co-development agreements with allies.