AeroVironment’s new 200,000-square-foot facility will expand production of its battle-proven Loitering Munitions Systems. (Photo: AV)
The new facility is part of AV’s distributed production strategy to ensure resilient manufacturing and sustained delivery of mission-critical autonomous systems.
ARLINGTON, Va.—Defense technology company AeroVironment (AV) announced in February its establishment of a state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Known as FreedomWerx, the advanced manufacturing facility is part of AV’s distributed production strategy, intended to strengthen its capacity to ensure uninterrupted delivery of precision-strike autonomous systems to government and defense partners. The 200,000-square-foot facility will expand production of AV’s “battle-proven Loitering Munitions Systems,” the company stated in a release.
AeroVironment is a builder of autonomous and intelligent multi-domain systems. The company designs and manufactures intelligent multi-domain robotic systems, uncrewed aircraft and ground systems, and sensors, in addition to providing software analytics and connectivity solutions, the company said in a release.
AeroVironment’s distributed production model, unlike single-location, hyperscale facilities, is reported to enhance national security by ensuring resilient manufacturing and sustained delivery of mission-critical autonomous systems. By maintaining multiple, strategically located production sites, AV said it mitigates risks from natural disasters, security threats, and geopolitical disruptions—fortifying supply chain resilience and operational readiness.
“This approach positions AV as a more reliable and sustainable defense partner, ensuring continuous support to the DoD and allied forces,” the release stated.
According to AV, the announcement is the result of a collaborative effort between AV, the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO), Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA), and the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah).
“AeroVironment’s autonomous precision-strike systems have revolutionized modern warfare, providing warfighters with the ability to neutralize high-value threats with unprecedented accuracy while minimizing risk to friendly forces,” said Wahid Nawabi, AV chairman, president, and chief executive officer, in a statement. “This facility represents a critical step in our mission to expand manufacturing capacity, ensuring our forces have the technological superiority needed to deter and, if necessary, decisively defeat adversaries.”
Located minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, the FreedomWerx facility offers strategic access to key transportation hubs, optimizing logistics and supply chain efficiencies. AeroVironment said it anticipates creating more than 500 high-paying jobs, “driving economic growth and advancing Utah’s position as a leader in defense innovation and advanced manufacturing,” the company said in the release.
“Utah is the ideal hub for advancing aerospace and defense technologies that are vital to national security and economic growth,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “Strategic investments like this create jobs, accelerate innovation, and reinforce Utah’s leadership in aerospace and defense. Supporting companies like AV strengthens our state’s economy while driving cutting-edge advancements in the industry.”
According to the release, AV anticipates that FreedomWerx will begin production in the second half of 2025, further scaling the company’s manufacturing capacity to meet evolving defense requirements.
“We’re thrilled to welcome AV to Salt Lake City,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president of EDCUtah, in the release. “As a leading defense technology company, AV’s expansion will not only bring high-quality jobs to the region but will also further solidify Salt Lake City’s position as a premier hub for advanced manufacturing and defense innovation. We look forward to the long-term contributions they will make to our economy and community.”
The expansion is described by AV as “a strategic investment in next-generation autonomous capabilities,” ensuring that “U.S. and allied forces remain equipped with advanced, precision-strike solutions built for modern conflicts.”
“AV’s expansion is a testament to Utah’s growing leadership in advanced manufacturing and aerospace innovation,” said Ben Hart, executive director of UIPA. “By leveraging our strategic infrastructure and economic incentives, we are helping to create high-quality jobs and support a cutting-edge industry that is critical to both national security and technological advancement. We look forward to seeing AV thrive in Salt Lake City and contribute to Utah’s dynamic economy.”