AUVSI’s Green UAS program serves as an independent assessment and verification of cybersecurity and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) compliance.
The Department of Defense Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) developed the Blue sUAS program in 2020, with an inventory of 5 “trusted” platforms. This system has since been adopted by the US government procurement office and other federal agencies, in addition to some states, as the usual for cybersecurity. With limited capability to check all aircraft which may qualify, and a mandatory deal with those aircraft most useful to the Department of Defense, the Blue sUAS program has been unable to satisfy the demand from drone manufacturers. The Green UAS program was designed by AUVSI in collaboration with the DIU to assist increase access to 3rd party evaluation and increase the sector of secure platforms, granting customers more selection.
“The Green UAS framework is built off the Blue UAS certification program but is designed for patrons who don’t immediately require a DoD authority to operate (ATO). Green UAS cleared drones can profit from a streamlined pathway from Green to Blue if a DoD sponsor is secured,” says AUVSI. “Green UAS certification is a component of AUVSI’s broader Trusted Cyber Certification program, which focuses on systems within the air, ground, and maritime domains. The AUVSI Trusted program may also be expanded to incorporate certifications for specific user industries or system domains.”
For Skyfront, the Green UAS certification process included a review of Perimeter 8 and eight+’s product security, including all components and subcomponents, distant operations security, supply chain risk management and a review of Skyfront’s corporate cyber hygiene. There are 14 other platforms engaged within the Green UAS certification process.
“Customers are more aware than ever in regards to the value drones can provide of their operations – but so too are they more aware than ever about possible cybersecurity challenges autonomous systems pose to organizations,” said Troy Mestler, CEO of Skyfront. “Skyfront is proud to supply the primary platform to pass the Green UAS certification process, which was rigorous and detailed. We sit up for demonstrating the benefits the Perimeter 8 can provide to users in need of a broad mission-set system that may carry large payloads for long durations with the very best security assurances available.”
“AUVSI commends Skyfront for successfully designing, manufacturing and obtaining certification for a drone that meets the very best levels of cyber and provide chain security,” said Michael Robbins, Chief Advocacy Officer at AUVSI. “With greater than a dozen other firms in various stages of the review process, the Perimeter 8 and eight+ shall be the primary of many Green UAS certifications to come back. We anticipate a strong government and business marketplace for secure platforms on the Green UAS cleared list as more platforms are certified within the months ahead.”
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