The Blue UAS Framework, maintained by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), is the federal government's primary list of approved drone systems and components. As of early 2026, the list includes 42 cleared systems, 165 approved components, and products from 31 vetted companies. Here's what's actually available across each category.
Understanding the Blue UAS Framework
The Blue UAS Cleared List is not a certification — it's a framework. Products listed on it have undergone cybersecurity review, supply chain audit, and operational testing by DIU. Inclusion means a DoD sponsor advocated for the product and it was found to meet security requirements. However, absence from the list does not mean a product is non-compliant — many NDAA-compliant products simply haven't gone through the Blue UAS review process.
For procurement officers, Blue UAS listing simplifies acquisition. Products on the list can be purchased without additional cybersecurity review in most cases. Products not on the list may require a separate assessment, which adds time and cost to the procurement process.
Category Breakdown
Flight Controllers
The Rotor Riot Brave F7 (Unusual Machines) is the only FPV-specific flight controller on Blue UAS. For autopilot-class controllers, Cube Orange+ (CubePilot) has Blue UAS approval. The Pixhawk 6X and 6C (Holybro) are widely used in compliant builds but are listed under system integrators rather than as standalone components. ModalAI's Flight Core v2 is Blue UAS approved as part of the VOXL 2 ecosystem.
Electronic Speed Controllers
The Brave 55A 4-in-1 ESC (Unusual Machines) joined Blue UAS in January 2025, making it the first standalone ESC on the list. KDE Direct's UAS ESC series is NDAA compliant and used in Blue UAS-listed complete systems, though the ESCs are not individually listed. Lumenier's Siege series is NDAA compliant but awaiting individual Blue UAS review.
Cameras and Sensors
Teledyne FLIR dominates this category with the Hadron 640R (dual EO/IR), Boson 640 thermal core, and Boson+ radiometric module — all manufactured in the US. The Fat Shark Aura FPV Camera is pending Blue UAS review. ModalAI's Starling 2 provides tracking and obstacle avoidance. For multispectral applications, Greensight's UltraBlue is US-manufactured.
Radios and Communications
This is the most populated category. Doodle Labs Mesh Rider radios, Silvus StreamCaster series, Persistent Systems MPU5, and Microhard pMDDL all have Blue UAS or equivalent government approval. HereLink Blue (CubePilot) provides combined telemetry and video link with HD video. For long-range telemetry, RFD900x is widely deployed but not individually Blue UAS listed.
Complete Systems
The majority of Blue UAS listings are complete drone systems rather than individual components. Inspired Flight (IF750A, IF800 Tomcat, IF1200), Skydio, Teal Drones, and Vantage Robotics all have listed platforms. These systems use pre-verified component stacks, simplifying procurement for agencies that don't need custom builds.
Ground Control and Software
Auterion Government Solutions provides a PX4-based software stack with Blue UAS approval. QGroundControl and Mission Planner are open-source GCS options. Inspired Flight's GS-ONE and ModalAI's Ground Control are purpose-built for their respective hardware ecosystems.
Where the Gaps Are
Despite significant growth, several categories remain thin:
- Digital FPV video: No NDAA-compliant digital video system exists. Analog only (Aura). This is the single biggest gap for tactical FPV applications.
- Budget FPV components: Compliant components carry a 30-60% price premium over Chinese equivalents. A compliant 5-inch build costs roughly $500-800 versus $300-400 for a non-compliant equivalent.
- Propulsion efficiency data: While motors and ESCs exist, published efficiency curves and thrust data are often unavailable for NDAA components, making engineering comparisons difficult.
- Battery chemistry innovation: MaxAmps and Tattu offer compliant LiPo packs, but lithium-ion and lithium-sulfur alternatives for endurance applications are limited. Lyten's lithium-sulfur cells are promising but not yet in production.
Track Compliance in Real Time
The BlackAtlas Live Compliance Status page tracks the Blue UAS Cleared List and FCC Covered List with automated daily updates.
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