NDAA-Compliant Drones: What They Are, Why They Matter, and the 2025 Approved Drone List

In the world of government, public safety, and enterprise operations, the term “NDAA-compliant” has become the gold standard for drone security. But what does it really mean, and why is it so important? The Blue UAS framework is a Department of Defense-approved list and vetting process for secure, NDAA-compliant drone systems and components, ensuring only trusted and thoroughly evaluated technology is used. This guide will break down the rules, explain the different levels of compliance, and provide a look at the top drones you should consider in 2025.

NDAA compliance is about ensuring the use of secure blue uas drones that meet strict government and military security standards. These secure drones are built to reduce risks of cyber threats, foreign interference, and data breaches by adhering to rigorous hardware and software supply chain vetting.

Understanding NDAA Compliance

What does NDAA compliance mean in the drone world?

An NDAA-compliant drone is a drone that adheres to the supply chain security rules outlined in the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). NDAA compliant UAS refers to unmanned aerial systems that meet all the requirements outlined in the NDAA, ensuring that not just the drone, but the entire system—including its components and software—complies with these standards. Specifically, Section 848 of the FY 2020 NDAA prohibits federal agencies like the Department of Defense (DoD) from using drones or components manufactured in certain “covered foreign countries.” In short, NDAA compliance is about ensuring that drones are free from parts that could compromise the security of sensitive data and missions.

Which countries and components are restricted?

As of FY 2023, the NDAA restricts drones and critical components from four countries: China (the People's Republic of China), Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The law is specific about which key components are banned if sourced from these countries. This list includes the flight controller, radio transceiver, data transmission module, camera, gimbal, ground control system, and operating software.

While this means a drone cannot use a Chinese-made flight controller or camera, the rule does not require a drone to be 100% U.S.-made. A drone could technically have minor parts from a covered country and still be compliant, as long as the key components are from trusted sources.

NDAA 2019 to NDAA 2023 Updates

The NDAA’s drone provisions have evolved over time. In fiscal year 2019, it started by stopping the DoD from purchasing these drones, with the primary focus on China. Subsequent updates expanded the list of restricted countries and, as of fiscal year 2024, explicitly extended the ban to DoD contractors. This shows a clear trend toward tightening security and closing loopholes.

The American Security and Drone Act

Overview and Key Provisions

The American Security and Drone Act (ASDA) is a pivotal addition to the national defense authorization act, designed to strengthen national security by regulating how drones are purchased and deployed by government agencies and organizations that rely on federal funding. As part of the broader defense authorization act NDAA, the ASDA specifically targets the use of drones and critical components sourced from certain foreign countries, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

A key provision of the ASDA is the prohibition of using federal grant or contract funds to buy, operate, or maintain drones made in, or containing components from, these foreign countries. This rule, set to take effect in late 2025, will impact not only federal departments but also state and local agencies that depend on federal funding for their drone programs. The legislation underscores the importance of using NDAA-compliant drones—those built without banned components—to safeguard sensitive data and prevent potential security breaches. By mandating the use of compliant drones, the ASDA aims to reduce the risk of cyber threats, espionage, and unauthorized data access, ensuring that government and public safety operations remain secure and resilient.

Impact on the Drone Industry

The introduction of the American Security and Drone Act is reshaping the drone industry in significant ways. For manufacturers, the ASDA creates a clear incentive to design and produce NDAA-compliant drones, using only trusted supply chain partners and avoiding components from foreign adversaries. This shift is accelerating the growth of American made drones and those from allied nations, with companies like Inspired Flight, Teal, and BRINC leading the way in delivering secure, compliant solutions.

For government agencies, law enforcement, and critical infrastructure operators, the ASDA means that purchasing decisions must now prioritize security and compliance. Agencies are increasingly seeking out drones that meet NDAA standards, ensuring their operations are not only effective but also protected from potential security risks. The Act’s focus on supply chain integrity and cybersecurity is also driving innovation, as manufacturers invest in more robust, secure drone systems that benefit both government and commercial users. Ultimately, the ASDA is fostering a more secure and resilient drone ecosystem, where compliance and security are at the forefront of every drone purchase and deployment.

Why NDAA Compliance Is Important

Cybersecurity & Data Protection Concerns

At its core, NDAA compliance is about trust. NDAA-compliant drones are designed to be cyber secure, protecting against cyber threats and unauthorized access to ensure system integrity and data privacy. Drones used in sensitive missions—from critical infrastructure inspection to police surveillance—collect a vast amount of data, including high-resolution video and telemetry. By mandating trusted supply chains, the NDAA aims to eliminate potential backdoors that could allow foreign entities to spy on missions or compromise data. This is seen as a “gold standard in drone security” for government agencies.

The Cost of Not Complying

The consequences of non-compliance can be severe. In 2020, the U.S. Interior Department grounded its entire fleet of over 500 drones due to security concerns. More recently, state-level bans on drones from China forced law enforcement agencies to ground their fleets, causing significant disruption and a scramble to find replacements. A chart illustrating this shows how a police force in Florida went from over 90% reliance on drones from China to a negligible amount after the ban.

{image here of a bar chart showing Florida law enforcement drone usage, comparing 2022 pre-ban vs post-ban}

This kind of over-reliance on non-compliant technology can be a major liability, leading to operational chaos and significant replacement costs if a ban is suddenly enacted. Drone operators are directly affected by these compliance requirements and may face operational disruptions if their equipment is not compliant.

NDAA vs. Blue UAS vs. Green UAS

This is one of the most common points of confusion for buyers, but these terms represent different tiers of drone security and defense initiatives to ensure only approved drones are used by commercial and government users..

• NDAA Compliance (Baseline): This is the foundational requirement. It means a drone and its critical NDAA compliant components—including ground control systems—do not come from a restricted country and meet strict security and origin criteria.

• Blue UAS: The Blue UAS program is a Department of Defense initiative managed by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). It provides Blue UAS certification for Blue UAS drones, which are not only NDAA-compliant but have also undergone rigorous cybersecurity and supply chain security assessments. The Blue UAS framework is a vetted catalog of NDAA-compliant, secure drone components and systems, streamlining the approval process for trusted, military-grade drones and suitable commercial alternatives. Drones on the official “Blue UAS Cleared List” are pre-approved for use across all DoD branches, but their strict security requirements (like offline operation) can sometimes mean sacrificing convenience for non-military users.

• Green UAS: A newer program run by the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) for the non-DoD market, specifically designed for commercial operators. It requires a drone to be NDAA-compliant and to have passed a cybersecurity audit. Think of it as a streamlined, faster version of Blue UAS, designed for public safety, state/local governments, and enterprise users. Green UAS helps these organizations verify compliance without needing a full military certification, supporting operators across various industries.

Buying NDAA-Compliant Drones

What to Look for When Purchasing

When it comes to buying NDAA-compliant drones, making the right choice is crucial for ensuring both security and regulatory compliance. Here’s what to consider:

• Verify Origin and Components: Ensure the drone is manufactured in the United States or by a trusted ally, and confirm that all critical components—such as flight controllers, cameras, and data transmission devices—are free from banned-country origins.

• Look for Blue UAS or Green UAS Certification: Drones listed on the Blue UAS or Green UAS lists have undergone rigorous security and compliance vetting. These certifications provide added assurance that the drone meets the highest standards for government and enterprise use.

• Evaluate Cybersecurity Features: Prioritize drones with robust cybersecurity measures, including encrypted data transmission, secure operating software, and regular, secure software updates. These features help protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access.

• Assess Performance and Reliability: Consider the drone’s durability, flight performance, and reliability in real-world conditions. A compliant drone should not only meet security requirements but also deliver consistent results in the field.

• Check Manufacturer Reputation: Choose manufacturers with a proven track record of producing secure, NDAA-compliant drones. Reputable suppliers, such as DSLRPros, can provide expert guidance and support in selecting the right drone for your mission needs.

By focusing on these factors, buyers can confidently select compliant drones that align with both the letter and spirit of the NDAA, ensuring their operations remain secure, reliable, and future-proof.

The Latest NDAA-Compliant Drone List (2025)

While no single official “NDAA-approved list” exists, the Blue List—maintained by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)—serves as the official roster of NDAA-compliant drones. The Blue List streamlines drone purchases for government and military users by providing a vetted selection of secure, approved drone systems. Here are some of the most notable NDAA-compliant drones available from U.S. and allied manufacturers as of 2025.

Top U.S.-Made NDAA-Compliant Drones

These drones are built in the United States and are compliant by design:

• Skidio X10D: Known for advanced autonomy and AI-powered obstacle avoidance. The X10D is a new addition to the Blue UAS list.

• Teal 2: A compact, high-performance drone with strong night vision capabilities, popular with public safety.

• BRINC LEMUR 2: A rugged drone specifically designed for indoor public safety and tactical missions.

• Inspired Flight IF800/IF1200A: Heavy-lift drones designed for complex payloads and industrial use.

• Freefly Alta X: A large, powerful hexacopter favored for professional cinema and high-end industrial applications.

• AeroVironment Puma 3: A small, rugged fixed-wing drone used for reconnaissance.

• Teledyne FLIR SIRAS: An NDAA-compliant drone designed for mission-critical thermal inspection, offering radiometric imaging and secure data handling without cloud dependency, ideal for infrastructure and fire assessment.

Notable International NDAA Drones

Allied countries are also producing drones that meet U.S. security standards:

• Parrot Anafi USA: A small, foldable drone from France that features thermal imaging and is on the Blue UAS list. Its robust security features and NDAA compliance make it suitable for military use.

• ACSL Soten: A Japanese-made drone that was developed specifically to be an NDAA-compliant alternative to popular prosumer models, and is also designed to meet the requirements for military use.

• Draganfly: A Canadian manufacturer of NDAA-compliant drones used by public safety and for heavy-lift applications.

{image here of a collage of various compliant drone models, including Skydio, Teal, and Parrot}

Frequently Asked Questions

Are DJI or Autel drones NDAA-compliant?

No. DJI drones, as well as other foreign drones from companies like Autel, are explicitly not NDAA-compliant. Because these foreign drones are manufactured in China and contain components from a “covered foreign country,” they are effectively banned from use by U.S. federal agencies and a growing number of state and local governments.

Do I need NDAA-compliant drones for my use case?

You need to use NDAA-compliant drones if you are a federal agency, a military unit, or a contractor working on a DoD project. Homeland security regulations are a key reason why many agencies require NDAA-compliant drones, as these rules address national security concerns and restrict the use of foreign-made technology. Many state and local agencies, especially public safety departments, are also required to use them. For private companies in critical infrastructure (e.g., energy, utilities), using NDAA-compliant drones is a strategic move to ensure data security and remain eligible for future government contracts.

How do you verify or certify a drone’s compliance?

There is no single government-issued certificate for NDAA compliance. You must rely on the manufacturer’s claim and do your own due diligence. As part of your compliance check, verify that the drone is an American made drone, as this is often required for meeting security regulations. The best way to verify is to check if a drone is on the official Blue UAS Cleared List or the new Green UAS list, both of which conduct cybersecurity vetting. If it’s not on a list, you can ask the manufacturer for a formal compliance letter or a list of components from its supply chain.

Do NDAA-compliant drones cost more?

Historically, NDAA-compliant drones from U.S. and allied manufacturers have been more expensive than mass-produced Chinese models due to a lack of economy of scale. However, as production has increased and competition has grown, this cost gap is narrowing. For many agencies, the long-term value and security of a compliant drone outweigh the higher upfront cost. When you buy drones, it's important to make informed decisions to ensure compliance with regulations and maximize long-term value.

What are the trade-offs of NDAA-compliant drones?

The primary trade-offs of compliant drones have been higher costs and, in some cases, less polished user interfaces or a smaller range of features compared to market-leading consumer drones. However, this gap is closing as compliant models—including small drones designed for military, government, and security applications—are rapidly advancing in technology, user experience, and a wider range of integrated features. Even small drones must meet NDAA compliance requirements to be trusted and approved for government and defense use.

Conclusion & Next Steps

The shift toward NDAA-compliant drones is more than just a regulatory change—it's a fundamental move toward building a more secure and trustworthy drone ecosystem. For any organization working in the government, public safety, or critical infrastructure sectors, understanding and adopting NDAA-compliant technology is a necessity.

To ensure your operations are secure and future-proof, you must look beyond the most popular brands and consider the U.S. and allied-made alternatives that prioritize security from the ground up.

The team at Global Drone HQ is here to answer any questions you may have about your drone setup. We can help guide your business or agency through the process of selecting the right NDAA-compliant drone and a robust, secure solution that meets your specific mission requirements.