AUVSI has announced the launch of Green UAS, a new program to expand the number of commercial uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) that have been verified to meet the highest levels of cybersecurity and US National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) supply chain requirements.

Green UAS mirrors the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)’s Blue UAS certification program but is designed for customers who do not immediately require Department of Defense (DoD) authority to operate. Green UAS also offers a ​more streamlined ​pathway to the Blue UAS 2.0 cleared list.

According to the company, Green UAS is the next evolution of drone security certification for customers who are increasingly relying on commercial, off-the-shelf drones to conduct diverse operations. These users include federal government agencies, local law enforcement, first responders and state departments of transportation; and industrial enterprise users such as energy and utilities, telecoms, manufacturing, food and agriculture and logistics and mapping/surveying companies.

DIU’s Blue UAS successfully created a pathway for the DoD to purchase compliant commercial drone technology that meets requirements from Congress; however, the program ​does not have the funding or mandate to ​scale to meet growing demand for non-DoD customers in government, civil and commercial sectors.

“​Strengthening the​ domestic drone industry ​is critical in providing options for Government agencies to get the trusted UAS they need to meet their mission and industry organizations are well-suited to ​help the government ​meet the need for a rapid, scalable solution,” said David Michelson, DIU Program Manager for Blue UAS.

“We look forward to reviewing AUVSI’s certifications when drone companies that are Green UAS certified ​have a DoD sponsor that wants them​ to ​​​​convert ​to ​Blue UAS certification.”

AUVSI says it will work with a network of cybersecurity firms to rapidly vet drones that are seeking Green UAS certification. Elements that will be assessed include product and device security, corporate cyber hygiene and for drones that are not seeking to go from Green to Blue, remote operations and connectivity.   

“AUVSI’s Green UAS is a solution to existing cybersecurity and supply chain verification challenges and will serve the UAS community, end-users and federal partners,” said Michael Robbins, Chief Advocacy Officer at AUVSI. “This falls squarely in line with our mission to help drive a safe and secure UAS market demand and provide a more competitive marketplace for all.”