‘Blue UAS’ Program Expands: What It Means for Defense-Ready Drones
Expanded pre-vetting of commercial Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for government use. Clearance updates closed in November 2024, adding new suppliers while maintaining access standards for accredited drones.
Pre-Vetting Commercial Unmanned Aircraft for Defense
The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has announced the expansion of its "Blue UAS" program, which selects and certifies commercial Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for Department of Defense (DoD) and government applications. In November 2024, DIU concluded a rigorous evaluation process to update the Blue UAS Cleared List, ensuring certified drones meet stringent cybersecurity and operational standards.
Blue UAS Refresh Challenge Introduces New Platforms
In August 2024, DIU partnered with the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) to launch the Blue UAS Refresh Challenge. This initiative sought to broaden the scope of the Blue UAS program by identifying new UAS platforms, components, and software. Targeted categories included First Person View (FPV) drones, Group 1 through Group 3 UAS platforms, along with essential components and software needed for secure operations.
The submissions in this challenge were assessed for compliance with mandates outlined in the 2020 and 2023 National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAAs) and the 2024 American Security Drone Act, which impose strict guidelines on supply chain integrity and cybersecurity for systems used by the U.S. government. Selected systems must adhere to these standards to ensure that UAS technologies do not pose risks to national security.
Related Stories:
Großwald
Evaluation and Demonstration Event at Twentynine Palms
DIU conducted a demonstration event from November 4-6, 2024, at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California, to showcase the final viable systems from the Blue UAS Refresh Challenge. This event provided military end-users an opportunity to evaluate the functionality and survivability of selected UAS platforms and components in real-world environments.
Recently, similar gatherings have been hosted in Germany, where the German Bundeswehr brought together domestic armed forces and commercial UAV companies in events informally called "Drone-Speed-Dating."
The finalists, whose performance evaluations were completed during this event, are expected to be publicly announced on November 15, 2024. The outcomes of the demonstration are anticipated to influence future DoD and government procurement decisions for secure UAS technologies.
Related Story:
Großwald
Blue UAS Program: Strategic Significance
These developments complement DIU's focused mission of expeditiously incorporating commercial innovations in unmanned aerial systems into the defense sector while meeting ever-changing requirements mandated by legislation. Keeping high-security standards in place and nontraditional varieties of commercial adaptability, DIU is trying to improve operational readiness as well as security in American defense systems.
Sources: Aviation Week, Defense Intelligence Agency
