The manufacturer of large uncrewed aerial vehicles is working to accelerate development and deployment of aircraft at high volumes.
OXNARD, Calif.—Swarm Aero, a developer of large uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) swarms, recently opened its new 80,000-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Center at Drake Field in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the company said in a release.
Swarm Aero announced the opening of its Advanced Manufacturing Center with a ribbon cutting event at its new 80,000-square-foot facility in Fayetteville, Arkansas, attended by Congressman Steve Womack. (Image: Swarm Aero/Business Wire)
Swarm, headquartered in Oxnard, California, stated that it will use the facility to accelerate the development and deployment of the company’s large UAV. Its Arkansas operations are expected to be capable of producing thousands of UAVs and creating hundreds of high-skill aerospace jobs over the next decade, the release stated.
“We looked at over 20 states before deciding to put down manufacturing roots in Fayetteville, Arkansas,” said Danny Goodman, CEO and co-founder of Swarm Aero, in the release. “We chose Northwest Arkansas because of the exceptional talent and partners, and we’re thrilled to continue our growth here.”
Goodman called large UAVs “the future of armed conflict.”
“When paired with our swarm command and control software, they can achieve major combat objectives by cooperating with superhuman dexterity while being several times cheaper than traditional aircraft,” he continued. “This is one of the most consequential developments in modern conflict and we have built an exceptionally talented engineering team to bring this vision to life.”
Swarm’s stated mission is to renew American air power by making large uncrewed aircraft that enable the U.S. to defend itself and its allies without putting pilots in harm’s way. According to the company, its Advanced Manufacturing Center is where this ambition becomes reality. Swarm’s pioneering approach to producing composite airframes “allows manufacturing at volumes not seen since World War II,” the company stated.
“Swarm’s decision to open their manufacturing facility in Northwest Arkansas reinforces what we know to be true: Our region is a destination for advanced manufacturing and next-generation aerospace innovation,” said Nelson Peacock, president and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council, in the release. “Swarm’s presence here will create meaningful, high-quality jobs while opening new pathways for collaboration with our universities, technical schools, and workforce programs.
“Just as importantly, Swarm’s mission strengthens the role our region can play in supporting technologies that are critical to America’s national security and industrial resilience,” Peacock added. “We are proud to welcome Swarm to Northwest Arkansas and look forward to supporting their growth as part of our community.”
Swarm announced that it intends to double its aircraft team in 2026 and is actively hiring across the organization.