Agilis Air Revolutionizes Drone Production for Defense with 55 New UAS Systems

Agilis Air's Innovative Approach to Drone Production

In an exciting development for the defense industry, Agilis Air, a drone startup based in Youngstown, Ohio, is set to lead the charge in accelerating the production of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This initiative comes in light of funding received from multiple sources including the YBI ENGINE Tech Incubator and the Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace Defense. The company plans to manufacture 55 of its state-of-the-art Remora UAS systems, designed with both affordability and rapid deployment in mind.

Agilis Air was spun out of Theiss UAV Solutions, a legacy drone manufacturer, and focuses on creating adaptable and AI-driven drones that can serve both military and commercial purposes. Their innovative Remora system features a 3D-printed airframe built using domestically sourced components, which allows for efficient production and immediate availability.

Meeting the Growing Demand for Drones

The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the increasing demand from the Department of War (DoW), which is initiating its 2026 drone mandate requiring about 1,000 drones each month—well over 10,000 annually. Current suppliers struggle to meet these needs while maintaining cost-effectiveness, as the average small UAS remains priced close to $7,000 per unit with lengthy lead times. The DoW's goal, however, is to achieve a production cost below $2,000 per unit, highlighting a significant gap in the market that Agilis Air aims to fill.

According to Shawn Theiss, the CEO and founder of Agilis Air, the standout feature of the Remora is its ability to be mass-produced quickly and economically. He states, “Our Agilis Remora was designed specifically to allow for rapid mass-production of a low-cost, high-performance UAS, and thanks to the Youngstown Innovation Hub grant, we can bring this much-needed solution into reality.”

Shaping the Future of Defense Technology

The Youngstown Innovation Hub's financial support not only facilitates the immediate production of these UAS systems but also demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted funding in empowering emerging manufacturing companies in the defense sector. This effort aligns with national security needs and strives to bolster domestic manufacturing capabilities through the development of a resilient supply chain.

Agilis Air is also committed to adhering to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) compliance standards, which is crucial for engaging with defense contracts. The company's approach significantly strengthens the domestic supply chain while supporting broader defense modernization efforts.

The overall goal of this initiative, as outlined by Theiss, is to enhance military readiness by creating affordable and expendable drone options. As demand grows, Agilis Air's ability to scale production efficiently will become crucial in ensuring that U.S. defense capabilities keep pace with the evolving technological landscape.

The Role of YBI in Support of Innovation

The Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI) plays a significant role in fostering startup growth and economic development in Ohio. The YBI ENGINE Tech Incubator Program is designed to support technology-driven startups by providing them tailored services that include expert guidance, commercialization assistance, and customer introductions. Their Advanced Manufacturing program specifically assists companies looking to integrate new manufacturing technologies, like additive manufacturing, into their operations.

In conclusion, Agilis Air's initiative not only represents a significant leap forward for drone technology in the defense sector but also serves as a model for how targeted investments can stimulate innovation and enhance national security. As Agilis Air moves forward with the construction of its Remora UAS systems, the entire country awaits the impact these drones will have on both military applications and the future of U.S. industrial capabilities. This venture embodies a promising future, solidifying Ohio's place in the forefront of defense technology.