Blue UAS Archives

A team of Department of Defense drone operators and experts test the technical capabilities of various Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) during a Defense Innovation Unit led prize challenge to identify platforms, components, and capabilities for Blue UAS, which clears and validates flying platforms are safe to fly, cyber-secure, and meet DOD requirements, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, on Nov. 2-6, 2024. (DOD photo by Devon Bistarkey, Defense Innovation Unit)

Pentagon’s growing list of ‘made in America’ drones has a loophole for certain parts made in China

Multiple sources told DefenseScoop that the majority of the drones cleared through the Blue UAS effort have motors that are sourced in China.

Nov 20, 2025 By Brandi Vincent

Heven AeroTech’s Z1 drone (Credit: Heven AeroTech)

DIU approves hydrogen-powered drone for Blue UAS list

Heven AeroTech's Z1 drone is the first system that uses hydrogen fuel to be approved for the Pentagon's Blue UAS Cleared List.

Nov 20, 2025 By Mikayla Easley

A representative from an unmanned aerial system manufacturer demonstrates capabilities for the Ascent Spirit UAS during a West Coast Blue UAS Industry Day at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Oct. 20, 2023. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Pedro Arroyo Jr.)

What’s unique about DIU’s new prize challenge to extend the Pentagon’s drone supply

Some U.S. service members will help decide what technologies are ultimately cleared for wider use, according to the official overseeing the Blue UAS Refresh Challenge.

Aug 16, 2024 By Brandi Vincent