Agilis Air Inc. Selected as Phase II Qualifier for $1 Billion Drone Dominance Program

Agilis Air, Inc. Advances in Drone Technology

Agilis Air, Inc., a proud member of the YBI Engine Tech Incubator, has made headlines by being chosen as a Phase II Qualifier in the U.S. Department of War's ambitious $1 billion Drone Dominance Program. Announced on June 2, 2026, this accolade underscores Agilis Air's growing reputation and expertise in the field of unmanned aerial systems.

Out of an impressive cohort of 49 selected companies from across the United States and beyond, Agilis Air distinguished itself by qualifying in two separate mission categories—long-range strike (Mission A) and urban strike (Mission B). This dual recognition is particularly noteworthy as most competitors were chosen for only one mission category, highlighting Agilis Air’s superior technological capabilities and operational versatility.

Agilis Air’s selection signifies a robust endorsement of its approach to developing and delivering adaptable, mission-focused autonomous systems. The company can now effectively support various operational environments thanks to its innovative designs and scalable manufacturing capabilities. This places Agilis Air in an advantageous position for forthcoming production contracts that could potentially involve the manufacturing of over 8,000 drones.

As the Department of War increasingly prioritizes rapid deployment and attritable autonomous systems, Agilis Air is well-poised to meet these demands with its cost-effective and combat-relevant solutions. The company’s founder and CEO, Shawn Theiss, expressed pride in representing Northeast Ohio’s engineering talent and innovation, thanking YBI and America Makes for their continual support in advancing defense innovation.

The YBI Engine Tech Incubator has played an integral role in nurturing Agilis Air's growth through access to essential resources and mentorship. Leadership at YBI acknowledged this achievement as a collective win for all stakeholders involved, including the entrepreneurial talents within the incubator.

Agilis Air is on a mission to close the existing gap in the U.S. drone landscape by producing affordable, scalable unmanned systems utilizing a fully domestic supply chain. This initiative not only bolsters defense modernization efforts but also enhances America's industrial capacity.

This milestone in Agilis Air's journey is a testament to their commitment to innovation and excellence in drone technology, as they navigate the path of modern warfare requirements. The future looks promising as they are set to play a critical role in supporting the Department of War’s evolving operational needs.

YBI's Ongoing Role

YBI has established itself as a notable nonprofit economic development organization dedicated to driving innovation and growth across Ohio. By offering a comprehensive suite of entrepreneurial services, YBI aids startups and small businesses in navigating various stages of development.

In particular, the YBI Engine Tech Incubator tailors its mission to support technology startups like Agilis Air with expert guidance, commercialization strategies, and investor-readiness preparations. With resources like the Center of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing, YBI is equipped to provide hands-on support, helping companies integrate advanced technologies into their production processes.

In conclusion, Agilis Air’s selection as a Phase II Qualifier reflects not only their dedication to pioneering drone technology but also the supportive ecosystem fostered by YBI. As they continue to advance their innovative capabilities, the future of drone manufacturing in the United States looks brighter than ever.