Security & Compliance
Future-proof your drone program
with secure data integrity options
Security & Compliance
Future-proof your drone program
with secure data integrity options
Secure, Future-Proof, and Tailored Solutions for Your Drone Program
In a landscape where security and compliance are paramount, understanding the nuances of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is crucial for drone programs. Unfortunately, the industry is full of confusion and misunderstanding, particularly surrounding the failure of the Blue Program and the specifics of NDAA requirements.
That’s where Vision Aerial steps in.
At Vision Aerial, we recognize the complexities of navigating the world of NDAA compliance, and we are committed to providing clear, transparent solutions. Whether you are seeking to meet non-military requirements or planning for stringent Department of Defense (DoD) needs, our diverse Ground Control Station (GCS) options are designed to align with your specific security measures.
With our range of GCS controllers and forthcoming Military Spec option, we not only address today’s compliance demands but ensure that your drone program is future-proof and adaptable to evolving regulations.
Explore the options below to discover how Vision Aerial’s American-made, versatile, and customer-service-driven solutions can empower your drone program, fulfilling both current needs and future ambitions.
Black Herelink
The Black Herelink is designed with ease and flexibility in mind, offering a superb option for drone programs that prioritize convenience without the need for strict security measures. Ideal for civilian and commercial applications where stringent compliance isn’t a requirement.
Use case: Ideal for civilian and commercial applications.
Blue Herelink
For drone programs requiring adherence to more robust security standards, the Blue Herelink is the perfect solution. Meeting the 2020 NDAA and TAA compliant, this GCS controller is designed for operations that need strict security measures but fall outside the domain of DoD compliance.
Use case: Strict security, non-military requirements.
VISION GCS
Prepared to meet the most stringent security requirements, the Vision controller is a Military Spec GCS that is engineered to meet the needs for the Department of Defense (DoD) and high-security applications. With full compliance to the strictest security standards, it will offer an unrivaled solution for military and other sensitive missions. Emphasizing future-proof design, this option ensures that your drone program remains ahead of the curve, poised to adapt to evolving regulations and mission-critical needs. 2022 NDAA and TAA compliant.
Use case: DoD applications.
What is Blue UAS
The Blue sUAS initiative, led by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), is primarily designed to address the Department of Defense’s (DoD) unique and pressing need for secure and policy-compliant unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The core motivation behind the program is to enable the DoD to harness the transformative capabilities of sUAS in sensitive, contested battle spaces and strategic military operations. Its objective isn’t merely NDAA compliance but extends to cybersecurity evaluations and other specific defense-related criteria. However, it’s crucial to understand that the Blue sUAS listing is not the sole path to NDAA compliance. Commercial drones can be NDAA compliant without being Blue listed. Thus, private-sector entities should be aware that a Blue listing, while significant for DoD-specific applications, is not a blanket requirement for NDAA compliance in broader contexts.
Do I need Blue sUAS?
It depends on your specific operational requirements. If you are part of the Department of Defense (DoD) and are looking to operate unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in sensitive or contested military environments, then Blue sUAS, curated by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), offers a trusted and vetted list of systems tailored for such applications. However, if your primary concern is compliance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), remember that being on the Blue sUAS list is not the exclusive pathway to NDAA compliance. Many commercial drones can meet NDAA standards without being Blue listed. For private sector entities and non-military government organizations, Blue sUAS may not be necessary. Instead, focus on ensuring your chosen drone system adheres to NDAA regulations and fits your specific needs.”
NDAA v. TAA Compliancy
NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) and TAA (Trade Agreements Act) are both U.S. federal legislative tools, but they serve distinct functions and have different scopes of impact.
The NDAA is an annual piece of legislation that specifies the budget and expenditures of the Department of Defense. While it encompasses a range of military and national security strategies, it has recently become associated with concerns about the security and integrity of technology used in the defense sector. As such, specific iterations, like the FY23 NDAA, focus on ensuring that technologies procured by the U.S. government do not pose risks to national security. This includes measures related to secure supply chains and safeguarding against potential foreign espionage.
On the other hand, the TAA governs trade agreements between the United States and foreign nations. It emphasizes that products purchased by the U.S. Government should either be made in the U.S. or in designated countries that are in compliance with certain trade agreements. A product that meets these criteria is deemed “TAA compliant,” signifying that it originates from approved sources. The TAA’s primary intent is to favor U.S.-made goods or those from certain trade partner nations over products from non-designated countries.
In summary, while both the NDAA and TAA deal with procurement regulations, NDAA is chiefly concerned with the national security aspects of products and technologies, whereas the TAA focuses on the origin of products in line with U.S. trade policies.
Which is Blue, the company or the aircraft?
The aircraft submitted to the DIU is ultimatley considered “Blue”. Every change to the system must be resubmitted through the process. However, the DIU no longer processes systems, making it virtually impossible to update blue listed systems. This makes systems that are “Blue” outdated and expensive alternatives.
Blue sUAS v. NDAA
Blue sUAS:
Blue sUAS refers to an initiative by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to identify secure, trusted small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) for the Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies. The primary goals of the Blue sUAS program are:
To provide a range of vetted and policy-approved commercial drone systems for DoD applications.
To facilitate rapid onboarding of evolving commercial drone technology that meets DoD’s security and operational needs.
To ensure that drones procured through this program do not pose cybersecurity risks and are in compliance with the NDAA, among other regulations.
The Blue sUAS framework offers a streamlined process for DoD and other federal agencies to procure drones that have undergone rigorous cybersecurity evaluation, NDAA compliance checks, and have been issued the necessary administrative documentation. It’s essentially a “seal of trust” for drones that are safe from a cybersecurity and policy standpoint for DoD use.
NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act):
The NDAA is an annual federal law that specifies the budget, expenditures, and policies of the U.S. Department of Defense. Among its various provisions, recent iterations of the NDAA have included bans on the use and procurement of specific technologies, especially those originating from certain foreign countries, due to national security concerns. One prominent example is the prohibition against the use or procurement of drones from specific manufacturers or countries that might pose a potential security threat.
The intersection of Blue sUAS and the NDAA lies in the requirement for sUAS technology to be compliant with the NDAA’s standards and prohibitions.
In essence, while the NDAA establishes the overarching security and policy framework for defense-related procurements, Blue sUAS serves as a specific program within this framework, focusing on ensuring that small drone technology is secure, trusted, and compliant with the NDAA and other relevant regulations.