The RQ-35, also referred to as the Heidrun in military operations, has gained widespread recognition for its reliability, endurance, and autonomous capabilities. Designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, it has been successfully deployed in electronic warfare and GPS-denied environments, including active conflict zones.
To date, the RQ-35 has accumulated hundreds of thousands of operational hours, proving its strategic value on the battlefield. It is praised for its seamless integration with other battlespace systems, enhancing frontline intelligence and enabling real-time operational decisions.
AIRO’s new U.S. facility will bolster production capacity while supporting future product development in both defence and commercial sectors. The site will focus on designing efficient, reliable, and low-emission unmanned aircraft systems, including enhancements to the RQ-35 and next-generation mini drones.
“Like our current manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Europe, which are AS9100-certified, our intent is for this new site to meet the same rigorous aerospace quality standards,” said Joe Burns, CEO of AIRO. “This commitment to quality not only strengthens our internal processes and systems, but more importantly, it allows our clients to receive consistent and reliable products.”
Executive Chairman Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria highlighted the drone segment’s rapid growth, driven by its adoption among NATO countries and deployment in global conflict areas. “These systems are not only proving essential in active conflict zones but have the potential to be a cornerstone of homeland security strategies across allied nations,” he said. “This expansion reflects our commitment to meeting that demand with unmatched quality and responsiveness.”
