Automation Pioneer Doubles Workforce for Air Force Drone Contract

Trust Automation secures $490 million deal for drone detection and mitigation systems, fueling rapid growth.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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Trust Automation, a San Luis Obispo-based automation and manufacturing company, has secured a lucrative $490 million contract with the U.S. Air Force for drone detection and mitigation systems. This has propelled the company's workforce from around 35 employees last year to a current staff of 170, with plans to add another 70 this year. Founded in 1990 by Ty Safreno as a consulting business, Trust Automation has evolved to help smaller companies with technology development and manufacturing.

Why it matters

The rapid growth of Trust Automation highlights the increasing demand for advanced automation and security technologies, particularly in the defense sector. As drone usage continues to rise, the need for effective detection and countermeasures has become a priority for the military. Trust Automation's success also showcases the potential for manufacturing and technology companies to thrive in smaller, more affordable markets like San Luis Obispo, rather than being limited to major tech hubs.

The details

Trust Automation was founded by Ty Safreno in 1990 as a consulting business focused on robotics and automation. Over the years, the company has shifted to helping clients with product development and manufacturing. The recent $490 million Air Force contract is for the company's drone detection and mitigation systems, which can intercept, capture, or destroy drones in the air. This contract has fueled Trust Automation's rapid expansion, allowing the company to grow its workforce from around 35 employees last year to 170 currently, with plans to add another 70 this year.

  • Trust Automation was founded in 1990 as a consulting business.
  • The company secured a $490 million U.S. Air Force contract in August 2026.
  • The Air Force contract is scheduled to run through August 2030.

The players

Ty Safreno

Founder and CEO of Trust Automation, a San Luis Obispo-based automation and manufacturing company.

Trudie Safreno

CFO of Trust Automation and Ty Safreno's wife, who has been instrumental in the company's growth and community involvement.

U.S. Air Force

The military branch that awarded Trust Automation a $490 million contract for drone detection and mitigation systems.

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What they’re saying

“Back then, robots were going to change the world and all you had to do was buy a robot and say you're going to get robots in your quarterly report. Investors were happy with you, but people were buying things and they weren't doing anything near what they expected or planned it to be able to do. I'd say it has some parallels to the AI boom now. Everyone knows they need to say AI, but not everyone's 100% sure how it's supposed to integrate into their business.”

— Ty Safreno, Founder and CEO, Trust Automation (pacbiztimes.com)

“For the longest time in America, we didn't think manufacturing was cool, and now we've come to the realization that it's an essential part of keeping us healthy as a country.”

— Ty Safreno, Founder and CEO, Trust Automation (pacbiztimes.com)

What’s next

The Air Force contract with Trust Automation is scheduled to run through August 2030, ensuring the company's continued growth and expansion in the coming years.

The takeaway

Trust Automation's success in securing a major defense contract and rapidly expanding its workforce highlights the growing importance of advanced automation and security technologies, particularly in the drone detection and mitigation space. The company's ability to thrive in a smaller, more affordable market like San Luis Obispo also demonstrates the potential for manufacturing and technology firms to find success outside of traditional tech hubs.