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BlueHalo Successfully Completes Live-Fire Test of FE-1 Counter-UAS Missile.
BlueHalo, a prominent defense technology company, has completed a live-fire test of its Freedom Eagle-1 (FE-1) missile, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to develop cutting-edge counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) to counter evolving aerial threats.
BlueHalo has completed a live-fire test of its Freedom Eagle-1 (FE-1) missile. (Picture source: BlueHalo)
The test, conducted at the Yuma Proving Ground in January, saw the successful execution of three missile flights from a controlled test vehicle (CTV). These tests demonstrated the missile’s flight performance and provided valuable data for further refinement of its guidance, navigation, and control systems.
Jonathan Moneymaker, CEO of BlueHalo, emphasized the importance of the FE-1 development in addressing increasing global security threats, particularly in regions like Europe, the Red Sea, and Taiwan. Moneymaker reiterated the company's commitment to fast-tracking the development of the FE-1 missile to ensure that military personnel have access to this advanced technology as soon as possible.
James Batt, Chief Growth Officer at BlueHalo, described the results as an "astounding engineering feat," underscoring the missile’s potential to strengthen national air defense capabilities. The FE-1 missile is designed to fill critical gaps in existing counter-UAS technologies by offering a high-speed, adaptable, and cost-effective solution.
The development of the FE-1 missile has progressed rapidly, moving from design to successful test launch within just 107 days. This accelerated timeline positions BlueHalo ahead of its competitors, many of whom are still in the conceptual phase of their next-generation counter-UAS missile development.
Subsequent testing phases have included warhead detonation trials, which confirmed the missile’s effectiveness in neutralizing simulated targets. These tests have provided crucial data on penetration depth, velocity, and fragmentation patterns, which will inform further advancements to ensure operational readiness.
The growing recognition of the need for enhanced counter-drone capabilities has been supported by legislative actions, with the recently passed FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) prioritizing counter-UAS advancements. The U.S. Congress has allocated substantial funding to improve air defense systems, addressing the limitations of current technologies in countering increasingly sophisticated drone threats.
The FE-1 missile is designed to engage larger drones (Group 3 and above) and features enhanced maneuverability and extended range. Its rapid-response capabilities aim to bolster the survivability of warfighters and provide a more robust, layered defense system against emerging aerial threats.
A live-fire demonstration for potential customers is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025. BlueHalo remains focused on meeting the growing demand for effective counter-drone solutions and continues to leverage internal investments to maintain its technological leadership in the rapidly evolving defense sector.