Why It Matters
Performance Drone Works LLC shifted its government advocacy strategy by bringing lobbying in-house after previous years relying on external firms. Jon Bennett registered as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for Performance Drone Works LLC on July 30. The company now lobbies on aerospace, aviation, and defense issues. Military challenges in Ukraine have highlighted vulnerabilities in drone systems, with analysts calling for assessments of electronic warfare resilience in U.S. unmanned aerial vehicles.
By the Numbers
Performance Drone Works previously spent $20,000 in 2021's first quarater, then increased to $50,000 in the third quarter of that year while working with external lobbyists. Jon Bennett held the position of Vice President, Government Relations at SES Space & Defense as of October 20, 2024.
Broader Context
The Ukraine conflict has exposed critical operational challenges for drone systems. Both sides have systematically jammed communications networks, and localized jamming operations have specifically targeted unmanned aerial vehicles to degrade reconnaissance and attack capabilities. Military analysts have called for U.S. planners to assess sustainment and electronic warfare resilience in drone systems.
Between The Lines
Member communications mentioning Performance Drone Works are predominantly from the 119th Congress, with 20 of the top 25 mentions authored by Republicans and three by Democrats. Bennett brings prior member experience from his work with Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA-9).
The Bottom Line
Performance Drone Works LLC is now registered as an in-house lobbying client. The shift reflects confidence in Bennett's Capitol Hill relationships and positions the company to engage directly with defense-focused lawmakers.
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