BlueHalo, a company specializing in Counter-Uncrewed Aerial System (C-UAS) solutions, announced the successful first live-fire demonstration of its Next-Generation C-UAS Missile (NGCM), the Freedom Eagle-1 (FE-1).
As noted by the company, this missile is being developed as part of the U.S. Army’s Next-Generation C-UAS Missile program to counter increasingly advanced aerial threats.
According to BlueHalo, the demonstration involved three test flights conducted in January at Yuma Proving Ground. Each missile launch successfully met all planned objectives, validating critical flight performance criteria such as guidance, navigation, and control. Data collected during these tests included video footage, radar tracks, RF diagnostics, and detailed sensor data logs, significantly mitigating technical risks associated with the program.
Jonathan Moneymaker, Chief Executive Officer of BlueHalo, highlighted the importance of accelerated development in response to global security dynamics, referencing recent events in Europe, the Red Sea, and Taiwan. “Our investments and development progress, including this successful CTV test launch, underscore BlueHalo’s dedication to addressing evolving threats and ensuring that warfighters have access to critical capabilities sooner rather than later,” said Moneymaker.
James Batt, BlueHalo’s Chief Growth Officer, emphasized the rapid pace of development, noting the project’s progression from initial concept to successful flight tests in just 107 days. “Going three for three on the first ever launch during the development of a new kinetic missile program is an astounding engineering feat and a testament to our team’s incredible dedication and expertise,” Batt said.
BlueHalo’s FE-1 missile addresses critical capability gaps by targeting larger unmanned aerial systems (Group 3 and above), providing increased maneuverability, enhanced range, and rapid deployment. This effort aligns with congressional priorities outlined in the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), reflecting legislative support and recognition of evolving threats and current system limitations.
A live-fire demonstration for military stakeholders is planned for the third quarter of 2025, further demonstrating BlueHalo’s proactive strategy in rapidly delivering enhanced defense capabilities to address urgent national security requirements.