Echodyne selected as radar provider for Trust Automation’s U.S. Air Force counter-UAS engineering contract
AI Analysis
Echodyne will provide its EchoShield radar for Trust Automation’s U.S. Air Force Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (SUADS) platforms under a $490 million indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract. The integration marks EchoShield as the first fully Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) compliant radar on the system, supporting rapidly deployable, fixed-site, and expeditionary counter-UAS variants.
Key Takeaways
- Echodyne selected as primary radar provider for a USAF counter-UAS program led by Trust Automation under a $490M ID/IQ contract awarded in August 2025.
- EchoShield radar integrates into three SUADS variants: Rapidly Deployable (RD-SUADS), Fixed-Site (FS-SUADS), and Expeditionary (EX-SUADS).
- EchoShield is the first fully integrated SOSA radar on the platform, using standard interfaces and COTS components to enable interoperability with diverse sensors and kinetic effectors.
- Expeditionary configurations are sized for vehicle transport and checked baggage, while palletized systems are air-transportable for flexible forward deployment.
- The medium-range radar employs machine learning for UAS classification and tracking, generating precise location data to support faster engagement timelines against drone threats.
Why It Matters
This selection signals the U.S. Air Force’s prioritization of modular, open-architecture counter-UAS capabilities that can be rapidly scaled and deployed across fixed, expeditionary, and forward operating environments. By mandating SOSA compliance and COTS-based integration, the program reduces vendor lock-in and ensures the system can evolve with the threat, directly addressing the growing vulnerability of airfields and critical assets to small UAS.
Echodyne selected as radar provider for Trust Automation’s U.S. Air Force counter-UAS engineering contract
April 20, 2026
Echodyne selected as radar provider for Trust Automation’s U.S. Air Force counter-UAS engineering contract
By Lukasz Prus (Defence Industry Europe)
Photo: Echodyne.
Echodyne has been selected as a primary radar provider for a U.S. Air Force counter-unmanned aerial system program led by Trust Automation. The selection supports a $490 million indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract awarded in August 2025.
Echodyne’s EchoShield radar will be integrated into Trust Automation’s Small-Unmanned Air Defense System platforms. These include rapidly deployable, fixed-site and expeditionary variants designed for different operational environments.
The systems are built to comply with the Sensor Open Systems Architecture standard, with EchoShield identified as the first fully integrated SOSA radar within the platform. The configurations are designed for flexibility, ranging from palletized systems transportable by military aircraft to fixed installations providing continuous base protection.
The expeditionary version is designed for mobility, with equipment sized for transport in vehicles and as checked baggage. Across all variants, the systems aim to provide detection and situational awareness against drone threats.
EchoShield is described as a medium-range radar capable of generating precise location data for various unmanned aerial systems. It uses machine learning models to classify and track targets, supporting faster response times and improved targeting.
Eben Frankenberg, Chief Executive Officer of Echodyne, said: “It is becoming more and more evident that the fidelity of radar data, its accuracy in all data dimensions, is a critical attribute of any radarsystem.” He added: “The new table stakes for every defensive system is actionable data at the range of reaction and with the precision to consistently direct kinetic effectors onto fast, nimble, UAS threats.”
The radar system uses standard interfaces and commercial-off-the-shelf components to integrate with sensors and effectors. This approach is intended to improve coordination between detection and response systems in counter-drone operations.
Ty Safreno, Chief Executive Officer of Trust Automation, said: “Integrating Echodyne’s advanced radar into our RD-SUADS, FS-SUADS, and EX-SUADS systems enhances both detection range and accuracy, enabling operators to identify threats sooner and respond with greater confidence.” He added: “These systems provide agile, comprehensive C-sUAS capability that helps protect warfighters and critical facilities through elevated situational awareness.”
The program reflects growing demand for integrated counter-drone capabilities within U.S. defense systems. Officials said the integration of advanced radar is intended to strengthen detection, tracking and response against evolving aerial threats.
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