First Tethered Drone Verified as NDAA Compliant
The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has granted Green UAS certification to Hoverfly Technologies‘ Spectre Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS). This makes the Spectre platform the first tethered drone to meet the highest cybersecurity and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) supply chain standards. The certification places it on AUVSI’s Green UAS list, offering the same level of security assurance as the Defense Innovation Unit’s (DIU) Blue UAS certification.
The Green UAS certification process involved a thorough review of the Spectre’s security features, including its components, subcomponents, and remote operations, along with an assessment of Hoverfly’s supply chain risk management and corporate cyber hygiene.
Securing the Supply Chain
Hoverfly’s achievement of Green UAS certification comes at a critical time, as the DIU is conducting a refresh of its Blue UAS list. The agency is prioritizing vendors and platforms that have been vetted for cybersecurity and NDAA compliance. AUVSI’s Green UAS certification ensures that platforms like the Spectre receive priority consideration alongside Blue UAS vendors.
“AUVSI is committed to supporting the growth of a secure drone supply chain,” said Casie Ocaña, Director of Trusted Programs at AUVSI. “Robust verification and certification is key to reaching that goal. We commend Hoverfly for successfully completing the Green UAS process and ensuring their drone meets the highest levels of cyber and supply chain security.”
Hoverfly’s CEO, Steve Walters, emphasized the importance of this certification in reinforcing the company’s commitment to security. “The Green List certification demonstrates our commitment to exceeding the highest standards of supply chain security and cybersecurity,” Walters said. “As the first tethered drone company to achieve this milestone, Hoverfly has made it a priority to integrate robust security measures into every aspect of our design and production.”
Expanding Green UAS Certification
Hoverfly is among several companies working toward Green UAS certification. AUVSI anticipates that more drones and components will soon join the Green UAS list, which is expected to benefit sectors such as public safety, critical infrastructure, and agriculture.
The Green UAS certification program is designed to support vendors and platforms that may not yet need Department of Defense (DoD) authority to operate, but still require a high level of cybersecurity assurance. The program builds on AUVSI’s ongoing collaboration with DIU to align commercial cybersecurity requirements with government needs.
In June 2024, AUVSI and DIU issued procurement guidance for government agencies and industries using drones for sensitive operations. This guidance followed the American Security Drone Act (ASDA), which became law in December 2023, warning of the cyber risks associated with Chinese-manufactured drones.
The partnership between AUVSI and DIU also allows manufacturers with Green UAS certification to share data directly with DIU. This has already resulted in the inclusion of multiple Green certified components on the DIU’s Blue UAS framework, enhancing the options available to federal, state, and local agencies.
The Path Forward for Secure Drone Technology
The Green UAS certification offers a streamlined path for commercial drone platforms to demonstrate compliance with cybersecurity and supply chain standards. With growing demand for vetted drones across various industries, the Green UAS program plays a key role in ensuring secure and reliable operations.
Hoverfly’s success in becoming the first tethered drone to receive Green UAS certification highlights the program’s significance in advancing secure drone technology. As AUVSI continues to certify more platforms, this initiative will help build a more secure and competitive UAS marketplace.
In a memo addressing federal agencies, public safety organizations, and private sector users, AUVSI and DIU emphasized the importance of choosing drones that meet rigorous cybersecurity standards. The Green UAS certification provides a crucial framework for non-DoD customers to meet these demands while maintaining a high level of operational security.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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