ZenaTech has advanced three of its defense drone platforms into the cybersecurity phase of the US Department of Defense Blue UAS certification pathway.
The company announced that its ZenaDrone 1000, IQ Square, and IQ Nano platforms are now progressing under the updated Green-to-Blue certification framework. The process is managed by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI).
The Blue UAS program is important for drone manufacturers that want to supply systems to the US military and government agencies.
Certification confirms that drone platforms meet the National Defense Authorization Act requirements for cybersecurity and supply chain security. Once approved, companies become eligible for direct procurement opportunities with defense organizations and allied government buyers.
The latest milestone follows the completion of the first two certification phases for all three drone systems. These stages included onboarding, documentation reviews, and verification of hardware and supply chain compliance. ZenaTech also submitted a detailed hardware bill of materials and NDAA compliance records during the process.
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Drones Need Cybersecurity Testing
The next stage focuses on cybersecurity validation and operational security testing. Independent assessors will conduct penetration tests to examine how well the drones can resist cyberattacks and protect sensitive communications. The testing will also evaluate encryption systems and overall resilience during simulated hostile conditions.
The final Blue UAS approval will still depend on the successful completion of the remaining certification stages. The Defense Contract Management Agency will also review the platforms before final clearance is granted. The process ensures that only trusted and secure drone systems enter US defense procurement programs.
According to ZenaTech CEO Shaun Passley, the certification pathway opens access to a growing defense market focused on secure autonomous systems.
He said the company is preparing to meet rising demand in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, logistics, and asymmetric warfare operations. He also stated that the company remains focused on completing cybersecurity, manufacturing, and supply chain readiness requirements.
The Blue UAS pathway has changed significantly in recent years to support domestic drone manufacturers. Under the updated Green-to-Blue framework, third-party assessors now handle much of the early compliance and cybersecurity validation work. This approach has made the certification process faster and more scalable for US-based drone developers.
ZenaDrone Targets Military Missions
The ZenaDrone 1000 is a medium-sized vertical takeoff and landing drone designed for heavy-duty missions. It can carry payloads of about 40 kilograms and uses AI-enabled autonomous systems along with the company’s Drone Net communication platform. The drone is designed for surveillance, inspection, cargo transport, and border security operations.
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ZenaTech is also developing a gas-powered version of the ZenaDrone 1000 for longer flight times. The platform has already completed paid testing programs with the US Air Force and Navy Reserve. Those trials included transporting temperature-sensitive medical supplies and other critical cargo missions.
The IQ Nano is a smaller drone built for indoor operations in locations where GPS signals are unavailable. The system is designed for warehouses, industrial buildings, and military facilities, supporting inventory tracking and security monitoring. It also includes obstacle avoidance technology and supports AI-driven drone swarm operations.
The IQ Square is another vertical takeoff and landing platform developed for infrastructure inspection and reconnaissance tasks. The drone is used for road inspections, bridge monitoring, line-of-sight surveys, and defense-related observation missions. Its compact design allows it to operate in both civilian and military environments.
The advancement of these drone platforms comes as governments increase investment in autonomous systems and secure domestic supply chains. Defense agencies are placing greater emphasis on drones built with trusted components and secure software systems. This trend has accelerated after concerns about foreign-made drone technology and cybersecurity risks.
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The progress of ZenaTech’s drone systems through the Blue UAS pathway positions the company more strongly in the expanding US defense drone market. Successful certification would allow the company to compete for military contracts and broader federal procurement programs. The development also reflects the growing role of AI-powered drones in modern defense and security operations.
