Green UAS Certification Expansion

AUVSI Adds Four UAS Platforms to Green UAS List

The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has announced Green UAS certification for four new platforms: Ascent AeroSystems’ Spirit, AgEagle’s Ebee Tac, and Inspired Flight’s IF1200A and IF800 Tomcat. These certifications expand the options for secure, NDAA-compliant drones suitable for public safety, critical infrastructure, and mapping applications.

The Green UAS program addresses a critical need for secure, vetted drones outside the Department of Defense (DoD) sector. The certification process includes thorough reviews of product and device security, covering all components and subcomponents, alongside ongoing supply chain risk management monitoring.

A Collaborative Effort for Secure Drone Operations

The Green UAS program builds upon the Defense Innovation Unit’s (DIU) Blue UAS initiative. David Michelson, DIU’s Autonomy Portfolio Director, emphasized the significance of this collaboration:

“AUVSI’s Green UAS initiative provides certainty as to NDAA compliance and a cyber security standard. AUVSI’s framework for cybersecurity and NDAA supply chain compliance is modeled on DIU’s approach to Blue UAS. I am enthusiastic to see an industry-led program like Green UAS that can give the same level of trust to the commercial sector.”

This initiative is designed to provide secure drone options for federal, state, and local agencies conducting sensitive missions. Casie Ocaña, AUVSI’s Trusted Programs Director, highlighted the program’s impact:

“Green UAS certification ensures that non-DoD federal, state, and local agencies and other security-sensitive technology users can continue to access secure, NDAA-compliant drone technology. These additions maintain robust procurement options open while giving agencies the confidence to deploy drones for critical missions.”

Industry Support for Green UAS Certification

Companies receiving certification shared their perspectives on the program. Ascent AeroSystems’ CEO Peter Fuchs noted the Spirit’s unique design and operational capabilities: “We are pleased to add Green UAS to the Spirit’s certification pedigree. This new certification is further demonstration of our commitment to the manufacturing, cybersecurity, and performance excellence that enables our customers to perform critical missions wherever, and whenever required.”

AgEagle Aerial Systems CEO Bill Irby stated: “We are honored to be a company engaged with AUVSI and to work with the association through the Green UAS certification process. The value added to the community through this process is evident.”

Rick Stollmeyer, CEO of Inspired Flight, commented: “Inspired Flight is pleased to embrace AUVSI’s Green UAS program, which provides an important certification of NDAA compliance and security.”

Bridging Security Gaps Beyond Blue UAS

AUVSI launched the Green UAS initiative in collaboration with DIU to address non-DoD needs. The program mirrors DIU’s Blue UAS certification process while expanding capabilities, including a Remote Operations and Connectivity assessment.

AUVSI’s Green UAS memo, published in June 2024, provides procurement guidance for government agencies and private industries conducting sensitive missions. This initiative ensures access to secure, NDAA-compliant drones while enabling manufacturers to share data with DIU under an April 2024 Memorandum of Understanding.

For more details on the Green UAS program, visit AUVSI.org/green-uas.