BlueHalo successfully conducts live-fire Test of FE-1 next-generation counter-UAS missile

The controlled test vehicle (CTV) demonstration took place in January at the Yuma Proving Ground, where three missile test flights were successfully executed. The tests confirmed the missile’s flight capabilities and allowed engineers to gather critical data on guidance, navigation, and control systems.

BlueHalo’s CEO, Jonathan Moneymaker, highlighted the importance of this development in light of global security concerns, including rising threats in Europe, the Red Sea, and Taiwan. He emphasised the company’s commitment to accelerating FE-1’s development to ensure frontline personnel have access to the technology as soon as possible.

James Batt, Chief Growth Officer at BlueHalo, described the test results as an “astounding engineering feat,” underscoring the FE-1’s potential in strengthening national air defence. The missile aims to close critical gaps in existing C-UAS capabilities by offering a high-speed, adaptable, and cost-effective solution.

The FE-1 programme has advanced rapidly, moving from design to successful test launch in just 107 days. This progress places BlueHalo ahead of competitors, many of whom remain in the conceptual phase of their Next-Generation C-UAS Missile (NGCM) development.

Further testing milestones have included warhead detonation trials, confirming the missile’s effectiveness against simulated targets. These evaluations provide essential data on penetration depth, velocity, and fragmentation patterns, which will inform further development and enhance FE-1’s operational readiness.

Legislative backing has reinforced the urgency of developing new defence capabilities, with the recently passed FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) prioritising C-UAS advancements. Congress has allocated significant funding to enhance air defence systems, acknowledging the limitations of existing technology in countering the growing drone threat.

The FE-1 missile is designed to engage larger drones (Group 3 and above) with improved manoeuvrability and extended range. Its rapid response capability aims to enhance warfighter survivability while ensuring a more robust and layered defence system against increasingly sophisticated aerial threats.

A customer live-fire demonstration is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025. BlueHalo remains committed to meeting the accelerated demand for effective counter-drone solutions, leveraging internal investments to maintain its technological edge in the evolving security landscape.