2025 AE sUAS STEM Kit Stand Down

Please review DAFMAN 11-501 and DAFMAN 11-502 as well as the Frequently Asked Questions below in full. They provide essential information regarding the AE sUAS STEM Kit Stand Down and clarify current restrictions on the use and storage of AE sUAS STEM Kit assets on federal installations, in compliance with recent guidance. CAP is specifically mentioned on Pages 65-68 in DAFMAN 11-501 and on Pages 44-47 in DAFMAN 11-502.

This message is being sent to all Commanders, DCS/AEs, DAEs, AEOs, and AEMs.

Please review the Frequently Asked Questions below in full. They provide essential information regarding the AE sUAS STEM Kit Stand Down and clarify current restrictions on the use and storage of AE sUAS STEM Kit assets on federal installations, in accordance with DAFMAN 11-501.

What do I need to know concerning the AE sUAS STEM Kit Stand Down?

All AE sUAS STEM Kits are prohibited from being flown indoors or outdoors on any federal installation.
A COTS UAS is a Commercial Off-The-Shelf Unmanned Aerial System. These are ready-made and commercially available, and most can connect directly to the internet through Wi-Fi signal posing a cyber security risk for the Department of Defense (DoD). Air Force Manual DAFMAN11-501 released in January 2025, regarding CAP COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) sUAS operations prohibits COTS from flying indoors on an installation.

How does the AE sUAS STEM Kit Stand Down and DAFMAN 11-501 affect me?

CAP Commercial sUAS non-blue and non-red sUAS cannot be flown, powered on, and/or charged indoors or outdoors on any military installation.

How do I know if I have a COTS UAS?

All AE sUAS STEM kits are considered COTS UAS.
Any corporate UAS that is not on the “blue” or “red” list unless an Exception to Policy (ETP) has been approved by the Secretary of Defense is a COTS UAS.

What are Blue and Red assets?

CAP “Blue” and “Red” UAS are “air-gapped”, do not connect to the internet, do not present a cyber security risk for the DoD, and are excluded from this requirement. CAP “Blue” and “Red” UAS have been preapproved for use within approved missions on installations. Blue assets are listed on an ETP (Exception to Policy) and are: Skydio X10D, Skydio X2D, Wingtra. Red assets are listed on an ETP (Exception to Policy) are: Rizer Mitigated DJI.

Can I fly Blue and Red assets on an installation?

Yes and No. Blue and Red assets can only be flown during approved missions on installations as listed on the Exception to Policy for each respectively.

Can I store an AE sUAS STEM kit or other non-Blue or non-Red sUAS kit on an installation?

Yes. However, the kit and/or batteries cannot be charged, powered on, or tested.

Does this include state installations for National Guard?

Yes. This is a federal installation.

I am not an AEO, but am a qualified CAP sUAS Pilot, how does the Stand Down affect me?

No action is required to report on STEM Kits at this time. However, any non Blue or non Red sUAS kit must not be charged, powered on, or tested on an installation.

I have previously flown a STEM Kit or non-Blue or non-Red sUAS kit on an installation indoors. Am I still able to fly indoors?

No. You may not fly these indoors or outdoors on an any installation.

If you have additional questions or need clarification, please contact AJ Flateau, NHQ STEM Kit Program Manager, at stem@capnhq.gov

Thank you for your cooperation,

CAPNHQ/AE Team