Simplifying the process of joining Blue UAS becomes more straightforward
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has streamlined the process for drone companies to obtain Blue UAS certification, making it easier for military and government agencies to procure these high-tech devices. This update aims to accelerate drone procurement and meet the rapidly evolving technological and security demands of the DoD.
The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), which previously managed the Blue UAS certification list, has expanded the list to automatically include Green UAS certified platforms as of mid-2025. This recognition of Green UAS certification as an authorized pathway for Blue UAS clearance has created a direct route or "on-ramp" to Blue UAS certification.
Green UAS certification is a prerequisite, focusing on compliance and foundational security standards. Once a drone platform achieves Green UAS certification, it becomes eligible to be included immediately on the Blue UAS Cleared List without undergoing the full traditional Blue UAS evaluation process again. This approach accelerates procurement and deployment for military and government users while maintaining strict standards.
The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) will take over the management of the Blue UAS program starting from January 1, 2026. The transfer of management is aimed at easing bottlenecks in the review process due to the DCMA's greater resources and staffing compared to the DIU.
Under the new two-tier certification system, the broader Blue UAS Cleared List now includes Green certified drones, and a more selective Blue UAS Select List will streamline approvals while ensuring national security needs are met.
The review process for Blue UAS will now be conducted by third-party assessors, including AUVSI, MTSI, and Dark Wolf Solutions. This change, prompted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s memo and Executive Order 14307 aimed at removing procurement bottlenecks and scaling U.S. drone capabilities rapidly, will benefit federal agencies restricted to Blue UAS-certified drones. They will now have access to a larger and more diverse pool of vetted platforms, accelerating deployment and mission readiness.
The change will make it easier for drone companies to get their drones certified as Blue UAS, making more drones available to government agencies. The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is also working on a checklist to clarify the Blue UAS certification process.
One example of a drone on the Blue UAS list is the BRINC's Lemur 2. This update marks a significant step forward in the integration of advanced drone technology into the U.S. military and government operations, ensuring they remain at the forefront of technological advancements while maintaining the highest standards of security.
- The new two-tier certification system, which includes Green and Blue UAS Clearance, allows drone companies to streamline their certification process, as Green certified drones can be directly considered for Blue UAS certification.
- The increasing resources and staffing of the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), as they take over the management of the Blue UAS program starting in 2026, will facilitate a more efficient review process, enabling more drones to meet safety and certification standards for government use.
