U.S. Military Debuts High-Endurance “Edge 130 Blue” Drone at Bright Star 25 in Egypt

Cairo, Egypt (September 2, 2025) — The U.S. military has unveiled a new compact but advanced unmanned aircraft system, the Edge 130 Blue, during the multinational BRIGHT STAR 25 exercises at Talet Al Keif, Egypt, on August 30, 2025. Operated by the 1st Special Operations Wing of the U.S. Air Force, the debut showcased the drone’s long flight endurance, modular design, and secure military integration.

Cutting-Edge Capabilities

• Hybrid Tricopter Design
  The Edge 130 Blue uses a three-rotor configuration that allows vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), hovering, and efficient forward flight. Despite weighing only 1.2 kilograms, it can be launched in under one minute by a single operator, making it highly deployable in the field.

• Industry-Leading Endurance
  In forward flight, the aircraft can stay airborne for more than two hours—far exceeding the endurance of most small drones approved under the Blue UAS program.

• All-Weather Operation
  Built to withstand winds of up to 40 miles per hour, the drone remains operational in difficult weather conditions, ensuring mission reliability.

• Modular Payload System
  Operators can swap payloads without tools, choosing from options such as dual electro-optical/infrared gimbals for surveillance or mapping cameras for terrain analysis. This modularity makes the drone suitable for a wide range of military and government missions.

• Secure Communications
  With AES-encrypted radios and Blue UAS cybersecurity certification, the system is designed for safe integration into U.S. and allied defense networks.

Strategic Role

The Edge 130 Blue is primarily intended for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, providing ground forces with real-time imagery and situational awareness. Its performance bridges the gap between short-range quadcopters and larger unmanned aircraft, giving commanders more flexibility in tactical operations.

The drone’s design aligns with the Pentagon’s push for secure, American-made alternatives to foreign drones, especially after the Department of Defense launched the Blue UAS framework to certify drones for federal use.

Expanding Adoption

The drone has already gained traction beyond U.S. Special Operations. Earlier in 2025, U.S. agencies, including the Army National Guard, ordered multiple units, highlighting growing confidence in the platform. The Australian Navy has also placed orders, demonstrating its expanding international footprint.

Furthermore, the Edge 130 Blue was recently selected in the Pentagon’s “Blue UAS Refresh” program, which ensures that approved drones remain cybersecure and available for large-scale procurement.

A Highlight of Bright Star 25

BRIGHT STAR 25, one of the largest joint exercises in the Middle East, brought together U.S. and partner forces to train in complex battlefield conditions. The Edge 130 Blue’s debut was one of the highlights, showcasing how rapidly deployable drones are becoming central to modern coalition operations.

With its long endurance, modular payloads, secure communications, and rapid deployment, the Edge 130 Blue represents a significant leap forward for tactical drone operations. Its unveiling in Egypt signals not just a technological milestone, but also a clear step toward deeper integration of next-generation unmanned systems in multinational defense cooperation.