Ascent AeroSystems is thought to have become the first domestic manufacturer of small unmanned aerial systems to achieve Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Level 2.
The Wilmington-based company, which specializes in rugged coaxial Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), earned a perfect assessment score of 110/110 during the certification process. This compliance milestone verifies that the manufacturer has implemented and validated the necessary information-security controls required to protect Controlled Unclassified Information. The certification is a critical step in meeting the Department of Defense’s increasing requirements for secure, NDAA-compliant platforms used in government, aerospace, and defense missions.
Paul Fermo, President of Ascent AeroSystems, commented, “In today’s complex and ever-changing security landscape, cybersecurity readiness is a cornerstone of national defense readiness. At Ascent, our commitment to security is part of our DNA. Achieving CMMC 2.0 certification further demonstrates our dedication to the highest possible standards as a U.S. manufacturer and supplier of NDAA-compliant Unmanned Aerial Systems.
“Being the first small UAS manufacturer to earn CMMC 2.0 certification is also a testament to the rigor and discipline of our team. Their unwavering commitment to excellence is at the core of why Ascent continues to be a trusted, ready partner to deliver the secure, American-made UAS solutions the DoD requires.”
This achievement places the company within a small group of early adopters, as less than 1% of the U.S. Defense Industrial Base is currently recognized as CMMC 2.0 compliant. Starting in November 2025, this certification will be a foundational requirement for any organization conducting business with federal agencies and the Department of Defense. Currently, fewer than 400 organizations have reached this level of cybersecurity recognition.
The Department of Defense continues to prioritize the integration of uncrewed systems across all service branches. By combining existing manufacturing expertise and modular designs with this new security credential, Ascent AeroSystems positions itself as a partner capable of supporting a scalable and secure domestic UAS ecosystem. The company’s platforms are already Blue UAS Cleared and NDAA-compliant.
