Ascent AeroSystems Becomes First U.S. Small UAS Manufacturer with CMMC Level 2

Ascent AeroSystems’ Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Level 2 confirms compliance with National Institute of Standards and Technology 800-171 standards By Olivia Hannam / 29 Oct 2025

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Ascent AeroSystems Becomes First U.S. Small UAS Manufacturer with CMMC Level 2
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Ascent AeroSystems is the first domestic Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) manufacturer to achieve Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2, with a perfect assessment score of 110/110.

This critical compliance certification verifies that Ascent has implemented and validated robust cybersecurity and information-security controls to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). It also underscores the company’s readiness to meet the Department of Defense’s (DoD) increasing demand for secure, NDAA-compliant UAS platforms across aerospace, defense, and government 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.”

Beginning in November 2025, CMMC 2.0 compliance will become a foundational requirement for doing business with the DoD and other federal agencies. Currently, less than 1% of the U.S. Defense Industrial Base (DIB) is recognized as compliant. Ascent joins this distinguished, forward-leaning group of less than 400 organizations recognized as being at the forefront of cybersecurity excellence.


As the DoD continues to advocate for the widespread integration of uncrewed systems across all service branches, Ascent’s combination of proven manufacturing expertise, MOSA-ready modular design, Blue UAS Cleared and NDAA-compliant platforms and now, CMMC 2.0 certification, make it the only domestic small UAS partner capable of supporting the Department’s vision for building a secure, scalable, and sustainable UAS ecosystem.

Fermo added, “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.”

Posted by Olivia Hannam Olivia is a Junior Editor and Copywriter at Unmanned Systems Technology. She graduated with First-Class Honours in History from the University of Exeter, where she developed a passion for research and clear communication. Since joining UST in 2025, Olivia’s focus lies in creating well-crafted content that highlights the latest innovations and technologies shaping the unmanned sector. Connect
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