New Additions and Expanded Capabilities
Service evaluators selected 23 platforms and 14 unique components and capabilities for National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) verification and cybersecurity review. The selections include First Person View (FPV), Group 3, and tethered platforms, directly responding to operator feedback and emerging operational needs.
These additions aim to provide Department of Defense (DoD) warfighters with advanced capabilities years ahead of current DoD program timelines. The expanded list includes a diverse range of platforms from various manufacturers, such as Hoverfly Spectre, Neros Archer, ModalAI Stalker, and Zone 5 Paladin, among others.
Blue UAS Framework Components
The Blue UAS Framework, which lists interoperable, NDAA-compliant UAS components and software, has also been updated. New additions include critical components from ARK Electronics, Locus Lock, Mobilicom, Tilt Autonomy, and Vertiq.
Evaluation Criteria and International Participation
Service evaluators focused on key capabilities crucial for end-users, including:
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Ease of flight
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Learning curve
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Flight performance
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Advanced capabilities such as payload capacity and resilience to GPS denial
The challenge attracted 369 proposals from companies in the U.S. and 18 other countries, demonstrating the growth and development in the commercial UAS market.
Significance for the DoD and Industry
The Blue UAS List and Framework play a crucial role in providing DoD-approved drones for government use. These drones comply with strict regulations, including the 2024 American Security Drone Act and relevant NDAA sections.
The inclusion of new platforms and components is expected to significantly reduce the time required for drone delivery to warfighters. While current DoD processes can lag behind warfighter needs by several years, the Blue UAS initiative aims to provide access to needed capabilities much more rapidly.
As the DIU completes the NDAA and cybersecurity verification process, updates to the Blue UAS List and Framework will be published on their official website. This ongoing process ensures that the DoD maintains access to cutting-edge, secure, and compliant unmanned aerial systems technology.
Beyond the Blue UAS List
While the Defense Innovation Unit’s (DIU) Blue UAS list has been widely recognized as a “stamp of approval” for drone security, its narrow focus on defense applications has raised concerns among some U.S. manufacturers. These companies worry that overreliance on the Blue UAS list could potentially harm other NDAA-compliant, U.S.-manufactured drones that may not meet the specific requirements for military use but are still suitable for commercial and civilian applications.
In response to these concerns, the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) developed the Green UAS certification program. This initiative aims to provide a broader framework for assessing drone security and compliance, catering to the needs of non-defense sectors while maintaining high standards of cybersecurity and NDAA compliance.
Blue UAS vs. Green UAS for the Broader Market
The Green UAS certification expands beyond the basic requirements of the NDAA, incorporating assessments of corporate cyber hygiene, product security, remote operations, and supply chain management. This comprehensive approach ensures that certified drones meet the highest levels of cybersecurity, operational integrity, and performance – crucial factors for industries such as law enforcement, local government, and utility companies that require secure and reliable platforms.
One key difference between the Blue and Green UAS certifications is that Green UAS-certified drones include Remote ID (RID) capabilities, making them authorized for commercial airspace operations under current FAA regulations. In contrast, Blue UAS-certified drones may lack this feature, limiting their use in non-military contexts.
As defense needs evolve, the Green UAS list provides a more flexible and inclusive framework for drone certification. It serves as a bridge between government security requirements and broader market needs, ensuring that platforms can thrive in civilian and non-DoD public sector applications. This approach allows for a wider range of secure, NDAA-compliant drone technologies to be available for various sectors, including public safety, critical infrastructure, and agriculture.
The Green UAS program also offers a pathway for Blue UAS-certified drones to transition to the Green UAS list, further expanding their potential applications beyond defense.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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