The US Air Force has significantly advanced its unmanned aerial systems capabilities through a substantial contract awarded to Trust Automation, valued at up to $490 million. This agreement aims to expedite the development of both unmanned and counter-unmanned aerial system (UAS/C-UAS) technologies to confront increasing drone threats that pose risks to military installations and deployed forces.
Under this contract, Trust Automation will engage in various tasks, including rapid research, development, prototyping, testing, evaluation, production, and transition of new solutions. The project is set to take place at the company’s facility in San Luis Obispo, California, and the timeline extends through August 2030.
Ty Safreno, the CEO of Trust Automation, expressed pride in the selection for this vital C-UAS project. He emphasized that the contract reflects their dedication to creating advanced anti-drone technologies that tackle urgent security challenges, protect armed forces, and enhance national safety.
Trust Automation specializes in anti-small UAS technologies that disrupt drone operations across command-and-control and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) frequencies. Their flagship product, the Small Unmanned Air Defense System, offers robust protection for fixed military sites, such as air force base defense operations centers, and includes rapidly deployable solutions suitable for combat scenarios.
The modular architecture of this system is designed to effectively detect, monitor, and neutralize aerial threats categorized as Groups 1 to 2, which includes drones weighing up to 55 pounds (25 kilograms). These systems operate at impressive speeds of up to 250 knots (288 miles/463 kilometers per hour) and can reach altitudes of up to 3,500 feet (1,067 meters).
Additionally, Trust Automation has developed the GAT UAS Jammer, a tactical weapon attachment enabling warfighters to directly counter drone activity within GNSS bands. This compact system, measuring 6 inches (15 centimeters), can be mounted on NATO-standard firearms and features a handheld grip for versatile applications.
This partnership between the US Air Force and Trust Automation marks a significant step in enhancing the military’s response capabilities against evolving aerial threats, as the need for effective countermeasures in an increasingly drone-centric landscape continues to grow.
