Combat-proven, AI-powered eVTOL UAS joins select list of drones approved for U.S. government procurement and deployment

MOORPARK, Calif., Aug. 5, 2025 — Quantum Systems, a leader in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aerial intelligence solutions, today announced that its mid-range eVTOL small uncrewed aerial system (sUAS), Vector, has been added to the U.S. Department of Defense’s Blue UAS List.

The Blue UAS List, managed by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), recognizes UAS platforms that meet the U.S. government’s most rigorous standards for cybersecurity, supply chain integrity, and operational performance. Vector’s inclusion affirms its field-proven reliability, strategic relevance, and combat credibility while enabling defense and federal agencies to acquire and deploy the system without additional approvals. This streamlines procurement, shortens fielding timelines, and ensures frontline units receive access to trusted aerial intelligence faster and with fewer barriers

“This designation reflects much more than compliance,” said Dave Sharpin, CEO of Quantum-Systems Inc. “It validates the performance Vector is already delivering in the hands of U.S. and allied forces. Blue UAS approval accelerates our customers’ ability to field capability faster with full confidence in its security, resilience, and tactical relevance. For today’s warfighter, speed and trust matter. This clears the path for both.”

Already deployed by multiple U.S. government users and allied forces, Vector delivers AI-enabled, real-time ISR across dynamic and contested environments. Its modular payload architecture, edge-processing capabilities, and secure communications make it ideal for expeditionary ISR and coalition operations.

To meet growing U.S. demand and provide long-term sustainment, Quantum Systems opened a new 135,000 sq. ft. facility in June in Moorpark, California that serves as the company’s primary U.S. integration, production, and support hub. The site expands domestic capacity for delivery, training, and lifecycle support of Vector and Quantum Systems’ broader UAS portfolio, supporting global operations from U.S. soil.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy unveiled a new proposed rule– Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS). This rule will unleash American innovation safely integrate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the national airspace system.

For more information about the proposed rule, see our fact sheet.

“We are making the future of our aviation a reality and unleashing American drone dominance. From drones delivering medicine to unmanned aircraft surveying crops, this technology will fundamentally change the way we interact with the world,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “Our new rule will reform outdated regulations that were holding innovators back while also enhancing safety in our skies. Thanks to President Trump, America – not China – will lead the way in this exciting new technology.”

Previously, operators would have to get individual waivers or exemptions to use their drones without visual line of sight. These were approved on a case-by-case basis, and the process was cumbersome. By eliminating these requirements for BVLOS operations, the proposal will significantly expand the use-case for drone technologies in areas like: manufacturing, farming, energy production, filmmaking, and the movement of products including lifesaving medications.  

“Normalizing BVLOS flights is key to realizing drones’ societal and economic benefits,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “Package delivery, agriculture, aerial surveying, public safety, recreation, and flight testing are just some of the uses we expect to see as we enable these innovative technologies while maintaining the safety of our National Airspace System.”

“Today’s NPRM is a bold, forward-looking step that helps unlock the full potential of BVLOS drone operations, transforming how we monitor infrastructure, deliver critical supplies, advance precision agriculture, and speed up emergency response. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are giving innovators a predictable, scalable pathway to conduct BVLOS missions, to ensure that the United States remains the global leader in drone technology. We look forward to public comment on this critical rulemaking,” said Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

The proposal also includes updated requirements for manufacturers, operators, and drone traffic-management services to keep BVLOS drones safely separated from each other and from manned aircraft. 

Additional Information:

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a partner in developing this rule.

The FAA encourages people to submit comments in the Federal Register. The comment period will be open for 60 days following publication and will not be extended. 

You can read more about Secretary Duffy’s broader transportation innovation agenda.

Warrenton, Virginia – July 29, 2025 – DroneShield, a global leader in counter-unmanned aerial systems (CUAS) technology, is proud to announce its participation in Project FlyTrap, a multinational defense initiative led by the U.S. Army V Corps. This critical exercise, running from June to August 2025 in Germany and Poland, brings together United States and United Kingdom forces to advance CUAS capabilities in response to rapidly evolving aerial threats on the modern battlefield.

DroneShield has been exclusively focused on CUAS technology for over 11 years and has deployed nearly 4,000 units across more than 40 countries. Notably, DroneShield’s counter-drone technologies have been deployed to Ukraine since the onset of the conflict, proving their reliability and effectiveness in real-world combat. This battle-tested experience further highlights the company’s commitment to providing proven, operational solutions for countering drone threats and has made it a key player in the defense sector.

“CUAS is no longer optional—it’s essential. We see exercises like Project FlyTrap as crucial to testing technology before it gets into the warfighter’s hands,” said Tom Branstetter, VP of Business Development and Sales at DroneShield. “We’re honored that our technology is playing a role in shaping the future of CUAS operations and supporting the mission readiness of our allied forces.”

Project FlyTrap reflects the ongoing evolution of counter-drone efforts among NATO allies, particularly in response to the escalating drone threats observed in recent conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine. By participating in this exercise, DroneShield continues to reinforce its position as a trusted partner in the defense industry and a key enabler of future-ready security solutions.

Army soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, Royal Yorkshire Regiment, Light Mechanized Infantry, test counter-unmanned aerial systems technologies during Project Flytrap at Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels training area, Hohenfels, Germany, June 5, 2025. Project Flytrap involves the application of new technologies alongside our NATO allies and partners to improve combined lethality and deter against threats in the electronic warfare and cyber-electromagnetic activities spectrum. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Brent Lee)

Pictured: DroneShield’s DroneGun Mk4. Soldiers from 7th Army Training Command, the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine and 173rd Airborne Brigade all worked together to make this the first live grenade drop from a UAS in the U.S. Army. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Collin Mackall)

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.