NARMA, a developer of dual tilt-rotor VTOL uncrewed aircraft systems, announced plans to expand its U.S. presence following the Federal Communications Commission’s recent expansion of the Covered List, which restricts certain foreign-produced UAS from domestic operations.
The company has already begun participating in the AUVSI Green UAS Cleared process, an independent review framework that evaluates cybersecurity practices, data handling, and supply chain integrity. This compliance-focused approach positions NARMA’s AF100 platform for inclusion on the Defense Innovation Unit Blue List, which exempts approved systems from Covered List restrictions.
Dual Tilt-Rotor Technology Meets U.S. Standards
“By pursuing Green UAS Clearance, we are proving that NARMA’s dual tilt-rotor technology is built to meet U.S. security standards, ensuring our platforms remain a reliable tool for use cases that require advanced UAS both now and in the future,” said Kijung Kwon, CEO of NARMA.
The AF100’s dual tilt-rotor configuration offers operational flexibility, allowing the platform to transition between vertical takeoff and landing and forward-flight modes. This hybrid approach enables the system to operate effectively in urban environments, confined spaces, and extended-range missions—critical capabilities for commercial and public safety applications.
To accelerate this U.S. market expansion, NARMA appointed Ian Annase as Director of U.S. Airspace Integration and Strategy for NARMA US. Annase will focus on navigating evolving FCC and FAA requirements while scaling deployments among enterprise operators and government agencies.
“Performance is no longer enough,” Annase stated. “We are intentionally aligning our AF100 platform with U.S. standards today so that our customers get early access to our technology and the future products on our roadmap. We are working to provide customers with a secure, long-term alternative to the restricted platforms impacted by the FCC Covered List update.”
Market Implications
The Covered List expansion reflects growing regulatory scrutiny regarding foreign UAS supply chains and cybersecurity standards. For organizations currently operating affected platforms, NARMA’s dual tilt-rotor alternative addresses both technical performance requirements and compliance concerns. The company is actively inviting public safety agencies and enterprise operators to consult on transition strategies to compliant systems.
More information is available from NARMA’s website.
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Ian McNabb is a journalist focusing on drone technology and lifestyle content at Dronelife. He is based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys hiking and Boston area sports.
