Conn. seen in strong position for drone production

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A group promoting the manufacture of unmanned aircraft says Connecticut's deep ties to the aerospace industry put it in a strong position to capitalize on a boom in the production of drones.

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International says in a report released Tuesday that Connecticut could gain nearly 4,100 manufacturing and other jobs between 2015 and 2025. Total economic impact could be about $397 million.

Connecticut is projected to be No. 6 in the United States in economic benefits from unmanned vehicle production. It follows California, Washington, Texas, Florida and Arizona.

The group says drone production nationally is projected to create about 104,000 jobs between 2015 and 2025 and the economic impact could total about $82 billion.

Agriculture and law enforcement are expected to be the main drivers for a civilian drone industry.