Echodyne has announced that its EchoShield radar system has been selected as a primary radar solution for Trust Automation’s Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (SUADS) platform under a US Air Force contract valued at $490 million. The Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity agreement was awarded in August 2025 and supports advanced counter-unmanned aerial system capabilities.
The program includes three deployable platforms: Rapidly Deployable Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (RD-SUADS), Fixed Site Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (FS-SUADS), and Expeditionary Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (EX-SUADS). These systems are designed to strengthen protection against drone threats across military bases, forward locations and mobile operations.
All three platforms are built in line with the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) standard. Echodyne stated that EchoShield is the first fully integrated SOSA-compliant radar solution within the platform, supporting interoperability and easier system upgrades.
The RD-SUADS platform is a self-powered and transportable system built to standard pallet dimensions for airlift through military aircraft. FS-SUADS is intended for permanent installations and can be deployed individually or as part of a wider network to provide layered base security and full-area coverage. EX-SUADS is a compact detection-focused system designed for rapid transport in checked baggage or utility vehicles.
EchoShield is positioned as a medium-range radar capable of delivering precise tracking data across a broad range of drone sizes and configurations. As a commercial off-the-shelf solution, the system uses standard interfaces and data outputs that can support optical sensors, guide response systems and shorten reaction times.
The radar also uses machine learning-based classification tools built on recursive neural network models to distinguish movement patterns and prioritise potential threats in real time. This helps operators focus on high-risk targets quickly and accurately.
Eben Frankenberg, Chief Executive Officer of Echodyne, said modern defence systems require radar data that is accurate across all dimensions. He noted that timely and actionable information, combined with precision tracking, is now essential for countering fast-moving and agile drone threats.
Ty Safreno, Chief Executive Officer of Trust Automation, said integrating Echodyne radar technology into the company’s SUADS platforms improves both detection range and accuracy. He added that the systems are designed to help military personnel identify threats earlier and respond with greater confidence while protecting personnel and critical infrastructure.
Echodyne is a US-based developer and manufacturer of radar systems serving defence, government and commercial markets. Its proprietary metamaterials electronically scanned array technology is designed to deliver advanced radar performance in a compact, low-power format.
Trust Automation, founded in 1990, provides engineering, manufacturing and integrated control solutions for defence, semiconductor and industrial automation markets. The company has more than three decades of experience supporting national security programs and advanced technology applications.
