Under federal law, is it legal to equip a UAS with weapons?

It is illegal to use weapons on UAS under federal law. This is primarily due to regulations set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other relevant legal frameworks that prohibit the arming of unmanned aerial systems for civil use. The focus of UAS regulation is on the safe integration of unmanned aircraft into the national airspace for commercial, recreational, and governmental purposes without posing a threat to public safety or violating existing laws regarding weaponry and airspace management.

While military operations may have some leeway under different regulations, the context of the question pertains specifically to federal law regarding civilian use, which unequivocally prohibits the addition of weapons to UAS. The emphasis on safety and compliance with aviation regulations serves as the foundation for this prohibition, ensuring that remote pilots operate their UAS within the established legal framework designed to uphold safety and security in the airspace.