Arlington, VA – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) today announced new initiatives to advance the shared aviation infrastructure priorities of the United States and its Indo-Pacific partners, including a call for initial project proposals and new event programming to enhance aviation safety and security across the Indo-Pacific. USTDA made the announcement at the Singapore Airshow.
“USTDA is enhancing a free and open Indo-Pacific by building aviation industry partnerships that strengthen our collective security,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Deputy Director. “U.S. companies offer world-class technology and expertise that can help us meet our shared objectives, which is why we committed to new aviation industry programming and growing our portfolio through this call for initial proposals.”
USTDA announced the following:
Call for New Project Proposals: USTDA is seeking initial proposals for aviation infrastructure development projects in the Indo-Pacific region’s emerging economies. The Agency will consider a full range of project opportunities in the sector, including aviation safety and security, dual-use airport development, aviation standards, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and counter-UAS solutions, and other aviation projects that advance the shared strategic priorities of the United States and its overseas partners. U.S. firms and project sponsors from USTDA-eligible countries in the Indo-Pacific are encouraged to submit their proposals by March 2, 2026.
Aviation Security Technology Symposium: USTDA will host a symposium to provide Indo-Pacific aviation security agencies the opportunity to engage directly with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and leading U.S. companies on ways to strengthen aviation security and protect the flying public. Designed in collaboration with TSA, the symposium will feature presentations on regulatory frameworks, TSA requirements, innovations in screening equipment and processes, drone threats and countermeasures, and cybersecurity.
These announcements deepen USTDA’s commitment to the U.S.-Southeast Asia and Pacific Aviation Cooperation Program, which brings together more than 40 U.S. industry members and five U.S. government agencies to collaborate on programs designed to match the region’s aviation needs with U.S. private sector expertise and technical innovation.
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is the U.S. government’s first mover on critical infrastructure development in emerging markets, advancing the shared strategic priorities of the United States and our overseas partners while creating opportunities to deploy trusted U.S. solutions. USTDA funds the upfront technical work that accelerates the development of infrastructure projects, helping them attract the financing they need for implementation and procurement of U.S. goods and services.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | press@ustda.gov