Understanding the US DUI Blue List of Drones: A Comprehensive Guide

In recent years, the use of drones has skyrocketed across various industries, from agriculture and construction to public safety and defense. As the adoption of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) continues to grow, so does the need for standardized guidelines to ensure their safe and effective use. The US Department of Defense (DoD) has taken a significant step in this direction with the creation of the Blue sUAS Cleared List, often referred to as the DUI Blue List. This list serves as a critical resource for government agencies, contractors, and other entities looking to deploy drones in a secure and compliant manner.

In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the DUI Blue List, exploring its purpose, the drones included on it, and the features that make these drones stand out. We’ll also provide links to the manufacturers’ websites for further information.

What is the DUI Blue List?

The DUI Blue List is a curated list of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) that have been approved for use by the US Department of Defense and other federal agencies. The list is maintained by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), a Department of Defense organization that accelerates the adoption of commercial technology into the military. The primary goal of the Blue List is to provide a vetted selection of drones that meet stringent security, reliability, and performance standards.

Why Was the Blue List Created?

The creation of the Blue List was driven by several key factors:

1. Security Concerns: With the increasing use of drones, there was a growing concern about the potential for foreign-made drones to pose cybersecurity risks. Many commercially available drones are manufactured in countries that may have conflicting interests with the US, raising concerns about data security and espionage.

2. Standardization: The DoD needed a standardized list of drones that could be used across various branches of the military and government agencies. This ensures interoperability and simplifies procurement processes.

3. Performance and Reliability: The drones on the Blue List are rigorously tested to ensure they meet the high performance and reliability standards required for mission-critical operations.

4. Compliance with NDAA: The Blue List ensures compliance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which prohibits the use of drones manufactured in certain countries, such as China, for government operations.

Drones Included on the DUI Blue List

As of the latest update, the Blue List includes a selection of drones from various manufacturers. Each of these drones has been evaluated and approved for use in government operations. Below, we’ll provide a summary of the drones currently on the list, along with their key features and links to the manufacturers’ websites.

Complete and Updated Table of Drones on the DUI Blue List (as of February 2025)

Manufacturer	Platform(s)	Manufacturer Website
AgEagle (formerly SenseFly)	eBee TAC	https://ageagle.com
Anduril	Ghost, Ghost X	https://www.anduril.com/hardware/ghost-autonomous-suas
Ascent Aerosystems	Spirit	https://ascentaerosystems.com
Blue Halo	IE-V2 Jeti	https://bluehalo.com
Easy Aerial	Osprey	https://www.easyaerial.com
Flightwave	Edge 130	https://www.flightwave.aero
Freefly Systems	Alta X, Astro	https://freeflysystems.com
Hoverfly Technologies	Spectre	https://hoverflytech.com
Inspired Flight	IF 1200A, IF 1200, IF 800, IF 750	https://www.inspiredflight.com
Neros Technologies	Archer	https://www.neros.tech
Parrot	Parrot ANAFI USA GOV, Parrot ANAFI USA MIL	https://www.parrot.com/us/drones/anafi-usa
PDW	C100	https://www.pdw.ai
Skydio	X2D Color 1.8 GHz, X2D Color 5 GHz, X2D Thermal 1.8 GHz, X2D Thermal 5 GHz, X2D Multiband, X10D	https://www.skydio.com
Teal	Teal 2, Golden Eagle	https://tealdrones.com
Vantage Robotics	Vesper	https://vantagerobotics.com
Wingtra	Wingtra One Gen II	https://wingtra.com

Key Notes on the Updated List:

1. AgEagle (eBee TAC): A fixed-wing drone designed for mapping and surveying, ideal for large-area missions.
2. Anduril (Ghost, Ghost X): Autonomous drones designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
3. Ascent Aerosystems (Spirit): A rugged, multi-rotor drone built for industrial and defense applications.
4. Blue Halo (IE-V2 Jeti): A versatile drone platform designed for secure and reliable operations.
5. Easy Aerial (Osprey): A tethered drone system providing persistent surveillance capabilities.
6. Flightwave (Edge 130): A solar-powered VTOL drone with long endurance for environmental monitoring.
7. Freefly Systems (Alta X, Astro): Heavy-lift drones capable of carrying large payloads for industrial and defense applications.
8. Hoverfly Technologies (Spectre): A rugged and modular drone designed for a variety of missions.
9. Inspired Flight (IF Series): A range of drones (IF 1200A, IF 1200, IF 800, IF 750) designed for heavy-lift and industrial applications.
10. Neros Technologies (Archer): A high-performance drone built for defense and security missions.
11. Parrot (ANAFI USA GOV, ANAFI USA MIL): Compact drones with high-resolution imaging and thermal capabilities for government and military use.
12. PDW (C100): A drone platform designed for secure and reliable operations.
13. Skydio (X2D Series, X10D): Autonomous drones with advanced AI capabilities, rugged design, and high-resolution imaging.
14. Teal (Teal 2, Golden Eagle): High-speed, modular drones designed for rapid deployment and customization.
15. Vantage Robotics (Vesper): A quiet and portable drone with high-resolution imaging for covert missions.
16. Wingtra (Wingtra One Gen II): A fixed-wing VTOL drone designed for precision mapping and surveying.

Why the Blue List Matters

The DUI Blue List is more than just a list of approved drones; it represents a significant step forward in ensuring the safe and secure use of drone technology in government operations. By providing a vetted selection of drones, the Blue List helps agencies avoid the risks associated with unvetted or foreign-made drones. It also promotes the use of cutting-edge technology that meets the high standards required for mission-critical applications.

For manufacturers, being included on the Blue List is a mark of distinction, signaling that their products meet the rigorous standards set by the DoD. This can open up new opportunities for collaboration with government agencies and other organizations.

Conclusion

The DUI Blue List is a vital resource for anyone involved in the procurement or deployment of drones for government use. By focusing on security, reliability, and performance, the list ensures that only the best and most secure drones are used in critical operations. Whether you’re a government agency, a contractor, or simply someone interested in drone technology, the Blue List provides valuable insights into the drones that are shaping the future of unmanned aerial systems.

For more information about the drones on the Blue List, be sure to visit the manufacturers’ websites linked above. And for the latest updates on the Blue List, check out the official DIU website: https://www.diu.mil/blue-uas-cleared-list.

By understanding the importance of the DUI Blue List and the capabilities of the drones it includes, we can better appreciate the role that drone technology plays in modern defense and public safety operations. As the industry continues to evolve, the Blue List will undoubtedly remain a key reference point for secure and reliable drone solutions.