As concerns over security and supply chain reliability mount — and as many American businesses and government entities seek alternatives to Chinese-made drones — the U.S. drone industry is at an inflection point. One company capitalizing on this shifting landscape is ACSL, Japan’s largest drone manufacturer, which has taken a major step forward in expanding its presence in North America by way f a new partnership with distributor Exertis Almo.

ACSL today announced it would team up with Exertis Almo, North America’s largest Pro AV distributor, to streamline the availability of its flagship SOTEN drone in the U.S. The move is expected to significantly ramp up shipments from hundreds to thousands in 2025. With that comes a pretty clear indication of the growing appetite for NDAA-compliant, non-Chinese drone solutions amidst U.S. custmers.

A changing drone market in the U.S.

For years, the U.S. commercial drone market has been dominated by Chinese manufacturers, with DJI leading the charge. However, increasing scrutiny from regulators and security experts has pushed businesses, government agencies and critical infrastructure operators to diversify their fleets. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliance standards have created barriers for Chinese drone manufacturers in public-sector contracts, spurring demand for alternative suppliers.

ACSL’s SOTEN drone is one such DJI alternative. The small, high-performance foldable drone stands out for its hot-swappable camera system, weather resistance and proprietary controller.

ACSL was founded in 2013 and is today considered the largest Japanese drone maker in the country. But in recent years, it’s taken steps to be a leader in the U.S., too. In 2023, ACSL opened a subsidiary in Santa Clara, California, giving it the ability to sell NDAA-compliant drones.

Strategic expansion via Exertis Almo

So what’s been happening over the past couple years since entering the U.S.? A key piece of ACSL’s U.S. expansion strategy is its partnership with Exertis Almo, which will handle distribution of the SOTEN drone.

The arrangement follows the well-established supply chain model, where ACSL ships drones in bulk from Japan to Exertis Almo’s centralized warehouse. That allows for smoother logistics, reduced costs and better supply chain continuity. From there, Exertis distributes drones to a network of dealers, such as Ripping It Outdoors. Companies like Ripping It Outdoors then sell directly to end customers, including energy companies and public safety organizations.

“We chose Exertis because of their strong reputation and corporate stability,” said Cynthia Huang, CEO of ACSL Inc. “They don’t compete with dealers for end customers, which ensures a seamless and conflict-free sales channel. Plus, most of the UAS dealers in the nation are already set up to buy through Exertis as well, so the transition is smooth from all sides.”

The distribution agreement also allows ACSL to scale up its production, as it can now manufacture in larger batches rather than shipping small quantities per order. This move positions ACSL to meet growing U.S. demand while keeping costs competitive against legacy players.

A political and regulatory advantage

Beyond just business strategy, ACSL’s expansion aligns with broader geopolitical trends. U.S. lawmakers have increasingly expressed concerns about the security risks associated with Chinese-made drones, citing potential data vulnerabilities and foreign government influence. While DJI and other Chinese manufacturers continue to dispute these claims, federal restrictions — such as the American Security Drone Act, which aims to phase out Chinese drones from government fleets — signal a long-term push from politicians toward diversifying the U.S. drone supply chain.

For companies requiring drones for critical infrastructure, energy, and public safety operations, the desire for a trusted, non-Chinese alternative is more than just regulatory compliance — it’s a strategic necessity. ACSL, with its Japanese roots and NDAA-compliant technology, could well-positioned to fill this gap.

Designed to meet the stringent security requirements of U.S. businesses and government agencies, SOTEN has already been gaining traction in industries like infrastructure inspection, mapping, and now, public safety — thanks to recent technological upgrades such as the 640R radiometric thermal camera system and enhanced gimbal stability.

What’s next for ACSL in the U.S.?

Looking ahead, ACSL has an ambitious roadmap for 2025. The company plans to further refine its SOTEN drone with additional feature upgrades, particularly to enhance its appeal in public safety and emergency response scenarios.

For now, the company said its top customers are in the inspections and mapping industries, but it has its sights on other verticals like public safety — potentially competing with other DFR-oriented drones like the DJI Matrice 4 Series. With its growing dealer network and strengthened logistics pipeline, ACSL could be a formidable contender (and DJI competitor) in the U.S. drone market.

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