San Diego, February 11, 2026
The Pentagon has shortlisted three San Diego drone manufacturers—Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Neros Technologies, and Halo Aeronautics—to rapidly develop low-cost, one-way attack drones for military use. This selection is part of the Drone Dominance Program, which aims to deploy over 300,000 weaponized drones by 2028. The initiative emphasizes the importance of local innovation and is projected to significantly impact the San Diego economy by fostering job creation and technological advancements in defense.
San Diego, California
The Pentagon has shortlisted three San Diego-based drone manufacturers—Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Neros Technologies, and Halo Aeronautics—as part of its initiative to rapidly develop and deploy low-cost, one-way attack drones for military use. This selection is part of the Defense Department’s Drone Dominance Program, which aims to field hundreds of thousands of weaponized drones by 2027. The program is designed to enhance the U.S. military’s capabilities in unmanned aerial systems, emphasizing speed and scalability in procurement processes.
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, headquartered in San Diego, is recognized for its expertise in defense technologies, including unmanned aerial systems. Neros Technologies, also based in San Diego, specializes in the design and manufacture of low-cost, expendable unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for military applications. Halo Aeronautics, another San Diego-based company, is known for its innovative approaches to drone technology. These companies will participate in the first phase of the Drone Dominance Program, known as “the Gauntlet,” which involves demonstrating their systems at Fort Benning, Georgia, starting February 18.
The Pentagon’s selection of these San Diego firms underscores the region’s growing prominence in the defense technology sector. The initiative reflects a broader strategy to bolster the U.S. military’s drone capabilities, aiming to produce and deploy over 300,000 small, one-way attack drones by 2028. This effort is part of a $1 billion initiative to enhance the military’s unmanned aerial systems, with the goal of integrating these technologies into combat training and operations across all branches of the military.
The Importance of Local Innovation
San Diego is becoming a hub for entrepreneurs focused on defense technology. The Pentagon’s recent acknowledgment of local firms is not merely a victory for these companies but signifies a shift in how the federal government approaches innovation within its defense procurement processes. By streamlining the acquisition of advanced technologies, the U.S. military can more effectively respond to emerging threats while also fostering a competitive marketplace that benefits American taxpayers.
Reforming Procurement for the Future
In July 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced significant reforms to the Pentagon’s drone procurement processes, emphasizing the need for rapid acquisition and deployment of unmanned systems. These reforms aim to streamline the integration of drone technologies into military operations, reducing bureaucratic delays and accelerating the fielding of new capabilities. Therefore, the involvement of San Diego-based companies in the Drone Dominance Program not only solidifies the region’s significance in the defense sector but will likely enhance operational readiness across the military.
Economic Growth Through Military Innovation
The potential economic impact of this initiative on the San Diego County economy is noteworthy. By fostering a supportive environment for technological innovation and reducing regulatory barriers, local businesses can thrive, leading to job creation, increased investment opportunities, and a stronger overall economic landscape in the region. Engaging in military contracts can provide a solid foundation for sustainable growth for companies in San Diego.
What’s Next for San Diego’s Drone Industry?
The selected companies—Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Neros Technologies, and Halo Aeronautics—are poised to showcase their cutting-edge technologies. As these firms progress through the Drone Dominance Program, they will not only contribute to national defense strategies but also reinforce San Diego’s status as a leader in technological innovation. The community’s investment in these industries will help ensure that San Diego maintains its competitive edge in the ever-evolving defense landscape.
Conclusion
San Diego’s growing role in the defense technology sector highlighted by the Pentagon’s recent selection of local firms for its Drone Dominance Program is a testament to the city’s entrepreneurial spirit and innovative capabilities. This initiative presents an opportunity for San Diego to assert itself as a leader in military technology, while simultaneously laying the groundwork for economic resilience and growth in the community. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to support local businesses, as they play a crucial role in shaping the future economic landscape of San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Pentagon’s Drone Dominance Program?
The Drone Dominance Program is an initiative by the U.S. Department of Defense aimed at rapidly developing and deploying low-cost, one-way attack drones for military use. The program seeks to field hundreds of thousands of weaponized drones by 2027, enhancing the U.S. military’s capabilities in unmanned aerial systems.
Which San Diego companies have been selected for the program?
The Pentagon has shortlisted three San Diego-based drone manufacturers: Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Neros Technologies, and Halo Aeronautics. These companies will participate in the first phase of the Drone Dominance Program, demonstrating their systems at Fort Benning, Georgia, starting February 18.
What is the significance of this selection for San Diego?
The selection of these San Diego firms underscores the region’s growing prominence in the defense technology sector. It highlights San Diego’s role as a key player in technological innovation and military applications, positioning the city as a significant contributor to the advancement of defense technologies.
What are the goals of the Drone Dominance Program?
The program aims to rapidly acquire and deploy over 300,000 small, one-way attack drones by 2028. It is part of a $1 billion initiative to enhance the U.S. military’s unmanned aerial systems, with the goal of integrating these technologies into combat training and operations across all branches of the military.
How does this initiative align with recent Pentagon reforms?
In July 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced significant reforms to the Pentagon’s drone procurement processes, emphasizing the need for rapid acquisition and deployment of unmanned systems. These reforms aim to streamline the integration of drone technologies into military operations, reducing bureaucratic delays and accelerating the fielding of new capabilities. The selection of San Diego-based companies aligns with this strategic shift, highlighting the region’s role in advancing defense technologies.
Key Features of the Pentagon’s Drone Dominance Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Drone Dominance Program |
| Objective | Rapid development and deployment of low-cost, one-way attack drones for military use |
| Target Deployment | Over 300,000 small, one-way attack drones by 2028 |
| Budget | $1 billion initiative |
| Program Phases | Four phases, with the first phase (“the Gauntlet”) starting February 18 at Fort Benning, Georgia |
| San Diego Companies Involved | Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Neros Technologies, Halo Aeronautics |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
