Press Release
Tactical Unified Data Library Supports Counter-Drone Security for the Army’s 250th-Birthday Parade
Tactical Unified Data Library Takes Center Stage in Counter-Drone Security for the Army’s 250th-Birthday Parade
Published on 06/19/2025
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — June 19, 2025 – During the U.S. Army’s 250th-Birthday Parade on June 14, the Tactical Unified Data Library (T-UDL) emerged as the event’s quiet MVP. By synchronizing dozens of radar, electro-optical/infrared, and radio-frequency feeds into a single common operating picture, T-UDL sharply reduced sensor-to-operator latency and gave counter-UAS teams near-instant awareness of any drone activity above the National Mall.
T-UDL served as an open “data fabric” between the Army’s MEDUSA/MINERVA sensor suite and the ATHENA communications network, allowing commanders, security partners, and tactical elements to share the same real-time air picture without relying on proprietary interfaces. The streamlined workflow let operators verify, track, and—when necessary—neutralize a suspicious drone in the time it once took to refresh a screen.
“Supporting the Army’s 250th on Flag Day was a privilege,” said Dr. Seth Harvey, Bluestaq CEO and co-founder. “When the call came, our team packed the kit, flew east, and had T-UDLs streaming live sensor data within two days. Patriotism drives us—agility delivers the edge.”
The parade itself—held under the anniversary motto “This We’ll Defend”—brought some 6,600 soldiers, 150 vehicles, and more than 50 aircraft down Constitution Avenue, with crowds stretching the length of the Mall. Because of its scale and distinguished guests, the Department of Homeland Security designated the celebration a National Special Security Event, placing the U.S. Secret Service in charge of a multi-agency security plan that included the FAA, TSA, and National Guard. T-UDL’s performance reinforces a broader Defense Department conclusion: effective counter-drone operations hinge on rapidly fusing data from multiple sensors—especially in spectrum-congested urban airspace.
This event marked the third time Bluestaq and the UDL supported critical security operations in the National Capital Region during high-profile events. Previously, the T-UDL was successfully used as the data fabric connecting sensors to military operations centers providing critical aircraft and UAS track information enabling counter UAS operations during both the Presidential Inauguration in January 2025 and the last Joint Session of Congress addressed by President Donald Trump in March.
About Bluestaq
Bluestaq delivers highly secure data infrastructure that powers critical missions across defense, commercial, healthcare, and space sectors. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, with a growing presence in the UK and Australia, Bluestaq is redefining how organizations manage, share, and secure data across cloud, hybrid, and edge environments. A three-time Inc. 5000 honoree and recognized as a Best Workplace for over six years, Bluestaq is driving the future of mission-ready data on a global scale. Learn more at www.bluestaq.com.