AeroVironment has announced plans to invest more than $30 million to expand its manufacturing operations in Albuquerque, New Mexico, increasing production capacity for defense and space technologies.
Under the initiative, operations will be extended across the company’s three existing facilities in the Sandia Science & Technology Park, alongside investments in additional equipment and workforce growth.
The project is supported by $5 million from the State of New Mexico and $1 million from the City of Albuquerque through the Local Economic Development Act program.
According to the company, the investment is intended to develop a vertically integrated manufacturing campus that could generate more than $670 million in economic impact over the next decade.
Local authorities have also approved an additional $6-million incentive package structured as performance-based reimbursements tied to hiring targets.
AeroVironment currently employs more than 400 people in Albuquerque, where its Space and Directed Energy Group develops counter-drone systems, laser communications, and other capabilities supporting US military and space programs.
“Albuquerque is a strategic production and integration hub for space-grade components and directed energy systems that directly support US national security priorities,” said Mary Clum, President of AV’s Space, Cyber & Directed Energy segment.
“The state’s partnership allows us to accelerate manufacturing, strengthen domestic supply chains, and deliver advanced capabilities to our customers faster and more reliably.”
Expanding Capacity
The announcement comes as AeroVironment continues to expand its defense programs and operational infrastructure.
The company recently partnered with CAL Analytics to establish an airspace management facility at Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport in Ohio to support unmanned aircraft operations for the US Air Force.
Separately, AeroVironment secured a $186-million contract from the US Army to supply its Switchblade 600 and Switchblade 300 loitering munition systems.
