The US Department of Defense has cleared Skyborne Technologies’ Australian-developed Cerberus MI drone for inclusion on its Blue UAS Cleared List. Eligible American government agencies can now procure the aircraft without seeking individual policy exceptions, but the clearance does not mean the Pentagon has ordered it or committed funds to a purchase.
Cerberus MI is a 40-pound (18-kilogram) aircraft designed to fire a 12-gauge shotgun and return to its operator for reloading and another mission. Its reinforced airframe is also compatible with a 40mm low-velocity grenade launcher. Skyborne developed the system for counter-drone operations and direct-fire engagements, with reuse as a central feature.
The drone uses onboard artificial intelligence to combine information from multiple sensors, while human operators retain control of engagement decisions. Skyborne says its targeting system supports engagements beyond 300 metres. With weapons aboard, the aircraft can fly for about 35 minutes and reach a top speed of 54 kilometres per hour. It can carry payloads weighing up to 9 pounds (4 kilograms), placing it in Group 2 of the unmanned aircraft classification.
The Defense Contract Management Agency assessed the aircraft’s cybersecurity protections, supply-chain arrangements and potential exposure to foreign influence before approving it. The review follows requirements under the National Defense Authorization Act.
Skyborne has not disclosed how many aircraft American agencies might acquire, the value of any contract or a delivery schedule. The listing instead makes the system available through government procurement channels without separate policy exemptions for prospective customers.
Sources: TechRadar.