HOVER Act of 2025

The HOVER Act of 2025 requires the U.S. Army to establish a two-year program testing optionally piloted helicopter technology (OPVs) within 180 days of enactment. The Army must convert at least three existing rotary-wing aircraft into OPVs to evaluate their military utility in contested environments, assess integration with crewed aircraft, analyze cost benefits, and develop new operational tactics. Testing must occur in designated Department of Defense airspace, and the Army must report annual progress and findings to Congress, including recommendations for future procurement. This bill directly affects Army aviation programs and defense contractors developing autonomous flight systems, focusing on concrete operational testing rather than funding commitments.