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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. The Blue UAS Refresh Challenge included more than 35 platforms and companies, and an expert team of 40 military drone end-users with participation from each service branch and several major program offices in support of the Department’s ability to quickly scale and field commercially produced drone technologies for military and government use. (DOD photo by Devon Bistarkey, Defense Innovation Unit)
Air, Business News, Military

DIU Outlines Immediate Updates to Blue UAS Lists

By Inside Unmanned Systems

In his July 10, 2025 memo, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth put forth a plan for “Unleashing U.S. Military Drone Dominance,”…

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Calvin Burke, an intelligence specialist, with Animal Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, activates a Skydio X2 small unmanned aerial system (SUAS) to survey the defensive line for opposing forces during a simulated assault and seizure at Glen Airfield, Queensland, Australia, July 2-7, 2025. Marines capture and control objectives to enable future MEU operations such as a forward arming and refueling point on the airfield. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Burke is a native of New Jersey. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola)
Air, Military

New DoD Policy: “Unleashing” Small Drones, Cutting Regulations

By Sebastien Roblin

On July 10 Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unveiled a memorandum detailing an initiative seeking to cut the gordian knot slowing down…

A V-BAT drone operating system sits ready for use during a Defense Innovation Unit Blue UAS Refresh Challenge at Camp Wilson, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, on Nov. 4, 2024. The purpose of the challenge is to directly evaluate and assess Unmanned Aerial System platforms focused on advanced modularity and rapid-update software and shape technology choices with the most operational impact. Approved drones may join the Blue UAS list for rapid deployment, with Global ATO, which enhances the DODs ability to quickly scale and field drone technology. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Richard PerezGarcia)
Air, Military

Japan’s ISR Drone Doctrine Evolves with Shield AI V-BAT

By Sebastien Roblin

Japan is turning to vertical takeoff drones like Shield AI’s V-BAT to extend the reach of its offshore patrol vessels,…

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks observes a Skydio flight test with Skydio Chief Executive Officer Adam Bry, San Mateo, California, Dec. 12, 2023. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza)
Air, Business News, FAA

Executive Orders: Turning Point for U.S. Airspace, Security, and Innovation

By Matt Sloane

Matt Sloane is the co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at SkyfireAI. With over a decade of experience in public safety and drone…