diff --git a/backend/app/routers/tests.py b/backend/app/routers/tests.py
index 0739791..3fc689b 100644
--- a/backend/app/routers/tests.py
+++ b/backend/app/routers/tests.py
@@ -820,7 +820,9 @@ def import_rt(
                 parts.append(f"\n{entry.notes}")
             red_summary_text = "\n".join(parts)
 
-            # Create Test directly in validated state
+            # RT pre-validates the Red side (they ran it), but Blue Lead
+            # must still validate the detection result before it counts.
+            # State = in_review so it appears in the Blue Lead's validation queue.
             test = Test(
                 technique_id=technique.id,
                 name=test_name,
@@ -828,18 +830,17 @@ def import_rt(
                 platform=entry.platform,
                 procedure_text=entry.notes,
                 created_by=current_user.id,
-                state=TestState.validated,
-                # Red team fields
+                state=TestState.in_review,
+                # Red team — approved by the RT operator
                 attack_success=entry.attack_success,
                 red_summary=red_summary_text,
                 red_validation_status="approved",
                 red_validated_by=current_user.id,
                 red_validated_at=datetime.utcnow(),
-                # Blue team fields
+                # Blue team — pre-fill the detection result but leave
+                # validation_status pending so Blue Lead must confirm
                 detection_result=detection_result,
-                blue_validation_status="approved",
-                blue_validated_by=current_user.id,
-                blue_validated_at=datetime.utcnow(),
+                blue_validation_status=None,
                 # Timing
                 execution_date=exec_date_str,
                 created_at=datetime.utcnow(),
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/ImportRTPage.tsx b/frontend/src/pages/ImportRTPage.tsx
index c16587c..3a364da 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/ImportRTPage.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/ImportRTPage.tsx
@@ -145,8 +145,9 @@ export default function ImportRTPage() {
           Import Red Team Results
         </h1>
         <p className="mt-1 text-sm text-gray-400">
-          Upload findings from a real Red Team engagement. Each technique becomes a validated test
-          with its detection result, maintaining full coverage history.
+          Upload findings from a real Red Team engagement. Each technique creates a test in
+          <span className="text-blue-400"> In Review</span> state — Red side is pre-approved by the RT,
+          Blue Lead must still validate the detection result before it counts as coverage.
         </p>
       </div>