Honeywell Partners Odys Aviation To Unleash Game-Changing Counter-Drone Defense System
Honeywell Aerospace and Odys Aviation have joined forces to introduce a revolutionary airborne …
16. July 2026

Helsing Expands U.S. Market, Selecting West Virginia for Its First U.S. Resilience Factory
In a significant move to strengthen its presence in the United States, Helsing, Europe’s leading defence technology company, has announced that it will establish its first U.S. manufacturing base in West Virginia. The announcement was made alongside West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, who expressed his excitement about the investment and its potential impact on the state’s economy.
The new West Virginia facility, designed as part of Helsing’s global network of Resilience Factories, will produce the HX-2, an advanced, AI-enabled strike drone. The HX-2 is already combat-proven in Ukraine, where thousands of systems are successfully deployed to the front lines. The platform has also undergone extensive testing by allied armed forces, including by the U.S. Army during the exercise Flytrap in Lithuania.
Designed for high-volume production and rapid deployment, the HX-2 represents a new generation of affordable precision capabilities built for the challenges of modern combat. Its advanced AI technology enables it to adapt to different environments and situations, making it a valuable asset for military operations.
The West Virginia manufacturing base will be capable of producing more than 2000 HX-2 drones per month and has the ability to scale further according to demand. This level of production capacity is expected to have a significant impact on the state’s economy, creating hundreds of high-skilled jobs and stimulating local economic growth.
Governor Morrisey praised West Virginia for its industrial heritage, skilled workforce, and competitive infrastructure, which made it an attractive location for Helsing’s U.S. manufacturing base. “Helsing’s decision to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in West Virginia is another signal that our state is becoming a destination for advanced manufacturing and defense technology,” he said.
Dr. Jennifer McArdle, the General Manager of Helsing US, added that modern deterrence requires advanced technology and the ability to produce it at speed, at scale, and in sustained volumes. “The conflicts of today demonstrate that industrial capacity is a critical strategic advantage,” she said.
The announcement comes as the U.S. moves to strengthen its defense industrial base and increase production capacity for military systems. In recent years, the U.S. government has taken steps to enhance the country’s defense capabilities, including investing in new technologies and expanding partnerships with international partners.
West Virginia was selected by Helsing following a competitive nationwide evaluation of potential locations, reflecting the state’s industrial heritage, skilled workforce, and commitment to rebuilding America’s manufacturing capacity. The state’s location, which is strategically positioned near major transportation hubs, also made it an attractive option for Helsing.
The U.S. defense industry has been growing in recent years, with many companies investing in new technologies and expanding their operations in the country. The growth of the defense industry is expected to continue, driven by advances in technology and the need for military systems that can adapt to changing threats.
As the U.S. defense industrial base continues to grow, West Virginia is well-positioned to play a significant role in this effort. The state’s location, workforce, and infrastructure make it an attractive option for companies looking to establish manufacturing facilities in the country. With Helsing’s investment, West Virginia has taken another step towards establishing itself as a major player in the U.S. defense industry.
The establishment of Helsing’s U.S. manufacturing base also highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in driving economic growth and innovation. The partnership between Helsing and the state of West Virginia is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
In addition to its economic benefits, the investment by Helsing also reflects the growing importance of defense technology in modern warfare. As conflicts around the world continue to evolve, military systems that can adapt to changing threats are becoming increasingly critical.
The development of advanced technologies such as AI-powered drones like the HX-2 is expected to play a significant role in this effort. These systems offer a range of benefits, including improved accuracy, reduced collateral damage, and increased operational flexibility.
As the U.S. defense industry continues to evolve, companies like Helsing are well-positioned to lead the way. With their investment in advanced technologies and their commitment to innovation, they are helping to drive growth and expansion in the sector.
The establishment of Helsing’s U.S. manufacturing base also highlights the importance of collaboration and cooperation between governments, industry leaders, and academia. The partnership between Helsing and the state of West Virginia is a prime example of this, with all parties working together to drive innovation and economic growth.
As the U.S. defense industrial base continues to grow, it is likely that we will see more investments in advanced technologies like AI-powered drones. Companies like Helsing are leading the way in this effort, with their commitment to innovation and their focus on developing systems that can adapt to changing threats.
In conclusion, the announcement by Helsing of its first U.S. manufacturing base in West Virginia is a significant development for the state’s economy and the defense industry as a whole. The investment will create hundreds of high-skilled jobs and stimulate local economic growth, while also helping to drive innovation and expansion in the sector.