Ouster’s 3D lidar sensor approved for defense drone use

SAN FRANCISCO - Ouster, Inc. (NASDAQ:OUST), a lidar technology company with a market capitalization of $862 million and showing impressive momentum with a 66% gain over the past six months, announced Wednesday that its OS1 digital lidar sensor has been approved by the Department of Defense for use in unmanned aerial systems after passing component review and cybersecurity testing.

The Defense Innovation Unit has added the OS1 to the Blue UAS Framework, making it the first high-resolution 3D lidar sensor on the approved list of National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) compliant UAS components. The framework provides vetted options for government and industry partners seeking interoperable drone technology.

According to the company’s press release, the OS1 offers advantages in weight, power efficiency, and reliability under rugged conditions compared to previously approved 2D lidar solutions.

"Our OS1 sensor was officially added to the Blue UAS list, providing drones and other UAS with access to industrial-grade, high-fidelity spatial awareness for advanced perception and autonomous operation," said Ouster CTO Mark Frichtl.

Ouster’s digital lidar technology is already deployed in systems used by the United States Army, Navy, National Labs, NASA, and transportation departments. The company states its products are compliant with the NDAA and offers Buy America(n) certified products.

The San Francisco-based company develops lidar sensors and intelligent software solutions for various sectors including automotive, industrial, robotics, and smart infrastructure. For detailed analysis of Ouster’s market position and comprehensive financial metrics, investors can access the full Pro Research Report on InvestingPro.

In other recent news, Ouster Inc. reported its first-quarter 2025 earnings, revealing a larger-than-expected loss per share but exceeding revenue forecasts. The company posted an actual EPS of -$0.42 against a forecast of -$0.29, while revenue reached $33 million, surpassing the anticipated $30.78 million. Despite the earnings miss, Ouster maintained a strong cash position with $171 million and no debt. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed its positive stance on Ouster, maintaining an Overweight rating and a $14.00 price target, citing Ouster’s unique product offerings and broad market applications as key strengths. The firm highlighted Ouster’s consistent gross margin improvements and anticipated revenue growth rate of 30-50% as indicators of the company’s strong industry position.

Ouster shipped over 4,700 sensors in the first quarter, contributing to a total of 108,000 sensors shipped to date. The company reported a gross margin of 41%, bolstered by a $1.5 million patent royalty. Significant "multimillion dollar" contracts were secured in the first quarter, expected to aid in scaling operations. Ouster’s strategic initiatives include doubling its addressable market through new product releases and maintaining a gross margin of 35-40% while controlling operating expenses. The company’s focus on innovation and product development continues to help it maintain a competitive edge in the LiDAR market.

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