The US Air Force has selected Trust Automation for a $490 million contract to accelerate the deployment of unmanned and counter-UAS solutions, addressing the growing threat posed by small drones across military bases and deployed environments. The contract covers the full lifecycle, including rapid prototyping, testing, evaluation, production, and operational integration of drone mitigation systems.
All development, production, and testing will occur at Trust Automation’s San Luis Obispo facility, with the program running until August 2030. The focus is on systems capable of neutralizing drones operating on command-and-control and GNSS frequencies, ensuring resilient protection against small, fast-moving aerial threats that could disrupt military operations.
Central to the program is the Small Unmanned Air Defense System, designed for layered, scalable protection. It can be deployed to defend fixed installations, including Air Force base operations centers, or used as a mobile solution in combat zones. The system can engage drones up to 25 kilograms (55 pounds), with operational speeds of 250 knots and altitudes up to 3,500 feet, supporting detection, monitoring, and neutralization in real-time.
Trust Automation also provides the GAT UAS Jammer, a compact counter-drone solution featuring a handheld grip and compatibility with NATO-standard rail mounts. This device enables warfighters to actively disrupt drone operations in GNSS bands, offering a flexible complement to the SUADS. The contract underscores the Air Force’s commitment to enhancing unmanned aerial threat defense capabilities and integrating advanced counter-drone technologies across its global installations.
