DoD-Approved OS1 Lidar for Unmanned Aircraft and Secure Government Operations

At Ouster, we are bringing Physical AI to life with 3D lidar technology to build a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable future. Physical AI and automation is playing a growing role in government and federally funded projects, and for those projects supply chain security and operational integrity are crucial. The Ouster OS1 digital lidar sensor has been approved by the Department of Defense (DOD) for use in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and added to the Blue UAS Framework. This approval marks a pivotal moment for 3D lidar in defense and federal applications. The Ouster OS1, the first high-resolution 3D Lidar sensor included in the Blue UAS Framework, offers high performance in weight, power efficiency, and reliability in rugged conditions, often surpassing previously approved 2D Lidar solutions.

Ouster's technology is actively deployed in systems used by the U.S. Army, U..S. Navy, National Laboratories (overseen by the U.S. Department of Energy), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and projects funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

What does the Blue UAS approval mean?

The Blue UAS Framework, managed by the DOD’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), provides a comprehensive approach to vetting and scaling secure commercial UAS technology for the DOD. For the Ouster OS1, this means:

  • NDAA Compliance: Ouster’s OS1 digital Lidar sensors are compliant with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), as affirmed by Blue UAS approval. This is vital because, by June 30, 2026, the NDAA will restrict the U.S. government’s procurement and use of Lidar from certain foreign countries. Our approval ensures readiness now, well before the deadline.

  • Cybersecurity Tested: Ouster takes meaningful steps to safeguard customer information, is ISO 27001 certified, and is committed to the security and responsible use of its products.

  • Secure Supply Chain: Blue UAS approval means the DOD has vetted the security of Ouster’s OS1 supply chain with respect to certain risks related to foreign-made components.

  • Streamlined Procurement: For U.S. government agencies and partners, our Blue UAS approval simplifies the process of buying and integrating Ouster OS1 Lidar.

Ouster's Commitment to Security and U.S. Manufacturing

Ouster designs its digital lidar sensors with strong supply chain security in mind. The OS1's Blue UAS approval officially confirms this security and positions Ouster as a trusted supplier of 3D Lidar sensors for U.S. defense applications.

Beyond Blue UAS approval, Ouster also offers Buy American(n) certified products, which reflects our commitment to U.S. manufacturing.

Partner with Ouster for Secure Lidar Solutions

The Ouster OS1's Blue UAS approval streamlines the procurement process, providing federal agencies and private parties a direct pathway to acquire secure, high-performance 3D lidar for federally funded projects. We’re proud to be supporting the critical missions of the U.S. government today and into the future.

For more information on the Blue UAS Framework, visit: https://www.diu.mil/blue-uas

Contact us today to discuss how Ouster’s Blue UAS-approved lidar can support your project needs.