AIRO Expands U.S. Manufacturing to Accelerate Drone Innovation and Strengthen Global Defense Capabilities
AIRO a leading global player in aerospace and defense technology, has announced plans to expand its manufacturing footprint in the United States with a new facility dedicated to both production and engineering development. This strategic expansion follows the increasing global demand for its flagship RQ-35 ISR Drone, also known in military operations as the RQ-35 Heidrun. The move not only bolsters AIRO’s capacity to meet rising production needs but also positions the company to drive future innovations in drone technology across defense and commercial markets.
The RQ-35 ISR Drone has emerged as a critical solution in the realm of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, renowned for its durability, autonomy, and ease of use. This advanced drone has demonstrated exceptional performance in a wide range of challenging operational environments, including active war zones and areas where GPS and electronic communication systems are heavily compromised. Its ability to perform reliably under these conditions has earned it significant recognition and adoption by NATO forces and allied defense organizations worldwide.
With hundreds of thousands of hours logged in active service, the RQ-35 has proven to be not just a drone but a force multiplier. It integrates seamlessly into complex defense networks, linking real-time intelligence gathering with strategic battlefield decisions. Unlike many of its counterparts in the micro-ISR drone category, the RQ-35 excels in autonomy, flight endurance, and operational simplicity, making it a go-to tool for defense professionals operating in dynamic and often contested environments.
AIRO’s new U.S. manufacturing and engineering facility is designed to scale production efficiently and support broader strategic goals. It aims to secure more American-made defense and commercial contracts while fostering technological development within U.S. borders. The facility will adhere to the aerospace industry’s stringent AS9100 quality certification standards, in line with AIRO’s existing facilities in the U.S. and Europe.
Joe Burns, CEO of AIRO, emphasized the importance of quality and innovation as core components of the expansion. “Like our current manufacturing facilities, this new site will meet the highest aerospace standards. Our goal is not only to scale production but also to maintain the integrity and reliability that our clients have come to expect. This expansion reinforces our commitment to delivering consistent, mission-critical products across the defense and commercial markets,” he said.
The expansion also reflects the company’s forward-looking vision of drone technology. Beyond scaling up production of the RQ-35, AIRO is investing in the design and engineering of next-generation unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). These efforts include creating low-emission, highly autonomous mini drones that cater to both military and civilian applications — a growing segment in global aerospace.
Executive Chairman Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria elaborated on the strategic importance of this growth. “The adoption of the RQ-35 by NATO countries and its successful deployment in real-world conflict scenarios have fueled tremendous growth in our drone business. This expansion is not just a response to demand — it’s a proactive step to position AIRO as a cornerstone of modern homeland security and defense strategies globally,” he noted.
AIRO’s expansion aligns with evolving defense priorities, particularly among NATO allies and U.S. defense agencies, that emphasize ISR capabilities in both conventional and asymmetric warfare scenarios. The new manufacturing site will serve as a central hub for R&D initiatives focused on maintaining technological superiority in drone design and application.
This initiative comes at a time when global defense forces are actively seeking scalable, adaptable, and domestically produced ISR solutions. AIRO’s strategic U.S. investment demonstrates its intention to deliver not only operationally robust products but also to establish long-term partnerships with defense and homeland security agencies.
Moreover, AIRO’s emphasis on sustainability within drone development signals a broader commitment to innovation that supports environmental goals. By engineering low-emission unmanned systems, AIRO aims to lead not just in defense innovation but also in responsible aerospace manufacturing.
The company’s integrated approach — combining technical excellence, mission-readiness, and manufacturing scalability — positions it well to become a central force in shaping the future of ISR drone technology. As military and security agencies across the globe re-evaluate their surveillance and reconnaissance needs in increasingly complex and volatile operational theaters, AIRO’s products and strategic initiatives are aligning perfectly with the moment.
With this expansion, AIRO is not only strengthening its manufacturing capabilities but also solidifying its role as a trusted and future-ready partner for defense organizations worldwide. The new facility is expected to play a key role in ensuring timely production, rapid deployment, and continuous innovation for AIRO’s drone solutions, now and into the next generation of aerospace and defense technology.
