Is the Green UAS Set to Dominate the Commercial Drone Marketplace?
In the evolving world of drone technology, the issue of supply chain proves to be a significant debating point, particularly with regards to DJI. The question at the heart of this discussion is: Does the drone have any connection to China?
This question has gained increased relevance as a Congressional bill, known as the Countering CCP Drones Act, seeks to impose a complete ban on DJI. The bill, which has sparked strong opposition from the public, including us at our website, could limit consumer choice and negatively impact small business owners.
However, the debate around supply chain in the drone industry is not likely to dissipate, regardless of the outcome of the bill. To address this ongoing concern, Green UAS has emerged as a potential solution.
Green UAS: A Trusted Solution for Drone Security
Green UAS is an initiative spearheaded by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). The program aims to establish a framework for certifying the cybersecurity and compliance of commercial drones, ensuring they adhere to the security standards set by the U.S. government.
The DOD's Blue UAS program scrutinizes drones used by government agencies through a stringent vetting process. Yet, not all companies can afford this exhaustive examination. For these companies and for those using drones primarily for commercial purposes, Green UAS offers a more manageable and industry-appropriate vetting process.
Green UAS: Bridging the Gap Between Security and Affordability
In essence, Green UAS functions as a complementary system to the Blue UAS program, offering a middle ground for companies that require secure drone technology but do not necessitate a drone vetted to the same degree as those used by the federal government.
By providing a formal certification process, Green UAS fills a void for companies seeking assurance that the drones they purchase meet the necessary security requirements, including supply chain standards. While some drone companies claim to be compliant with these standards, there is currently no formal certification for such claims.
The Green UAS initiative not only offers a recognized process for purchasing secure drone technology but also offers companies the peace of mind that comes with a certification from trusted authorities.
Why Green UAS Matters for Both Commercial and Government Use
Although Green UAS is primarily designed for vetting drones for private companies, it has a symbiotic relationship with drones for federal agencies, and may potentially serve as a feeder for some commercial drones into the Blue UAS framework.
This initiative offers several benefits for companies, regardless of their focus on government work or private enterprise. In the following sections, we explore these benefits in detail.
Enhancing Security and Compliance
Green UAS seeks to augment security by providing companies with technology that meets rigorous security requirements. This reduces the risk of cybersecurity threats, such as data breaches or unauthorized access to sensitive information, and helps demonstrate to clients and partners that the company prioritizes security.
For government agencies, Green UAS provides a reliable pool of drones that meet necessary security standards, allowing for their deployment without concerns about potential vulnerabilities.
Facilitating Wider Adoption of Drone Technology
By offering clear guidelines on trustworthy drones, Green UAS encourages the adoption of drone technology among private companies, making it easier for firms to integrate drones into their operations. Government agencies can also benefit from the clarity provided by Green UAS, as they will know which technology meets the relevant regulatory requirements.
Supporting Innovation and Economic Growth
By lowering the barrier to entry for Blue UAS certification, Green UAS may stimulate innovation within the drone industry. This could create economic incentives for companies to develop drone technology tailored to meet the needs of various sectors.
Aligning with National Security Interests
By ensuring that companies adhere to security protocols that safeguard national interests, Green UAS enables the use of trusted drones without compromising on security. This ensures both government agencies and private companies maintain a secure operational environment.
Green UAS-Certified Drones
Currently, only Skyfront has secured a Green UAS designation. However, 15 drone companies are in the process of obtaining Green UAS status. As more companies complete the certification process and the availability of Green UAS-certified drones increases, companies can gauge whether there is truly a higher demand for these drones compared to other options in the market.
Only time will tell whether Green UAS will indeed shape the future of commercial drones. However, given the shifting landscape of supply chain concerns and the growing emphasis on security, it is likely that companies will seek drones that have undergone rigorous vetting and meet essential security requirements. In such a scenario, Green UAS could very well become an essential component of the commercial drone market.
- Green UAS, an initiative by AUVSI and the U.S. Department of Defense, aims to establish a framework for certifying the cybersecurity and compliance of commercial drones.
- For companies that cannot afford the exhaustive examination offered by the DOD's Blue UAS program, Green UAS provides a more manageable and industry-appropriate vetting process.
- By offering a formal certification process, Green UAS fills a void for companies seeking assurance that the drones they purchase meet the necessary security requirements, including supply chain standards.
- Green UAS matters for both commercial and government use, as it enhances security and compliance, facilitates wider adoption of drone technology, supports innovation and economic growth, and aligns with national security interests.
- Currently, Skyfront is the only drone company with a Green UAS designation, but 15 other companies are in the process of obtaining this status, potentially making Green UAS-certified drones a significant portion of the commercial drone market in the future.
