Zone 5 Technologies wins $12.4 million Air Force drone research deal

The San Luis Obispo unmanned aircraft maker landed a sole-source Small Business Innovation Research Phase III award for the Rusty Dagger Franchise, with work running through September 2027 in Miamisburg, Ohio.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA — Zone 5 Technologies LLC has won a $12.4 million Air Force contract for the Rusty Dagger Franchise, awarded on June 18, 2026.