The facility is scheduled to open in spring 2027 with support from Synergy Building Systems. It will complement a smaller General Atomics site near Wright-Patterson that has operated since 2014.
The hub will develop open, modular and affordable hardware, software and autonomous systems for U.S. Air Force programs. Its work will include rapid prototyping, integration and testing of next-generation uncrewed aircraft capabilities.
A mission operations center at the facility will enable remote control of General Atomics aircraft. It will also support experimentation, training and demonstrations with Air Force and industry partners.
The location brings General Atomics closer to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center and the Air Force Research Laboratory, both based at Wright-Patterson. The company said the expansion would support more frequent engagement with its Air Force customer and local suppliers.
“Growing our footprint in Dayton allows GA-ASI to bring its long-standing UAS and sensing expertise to a region recognized as a premier center for advanced technology. This expansion will enable closer collaboration with local industry and more frequent interaction with our U.S. Air Force customer,” said GA-ASI Vice President of DoD Strategic Development Patrick Shortsleeve.
JobsOhio and the Dayton Development Coalition will help recruit workers from the local community. JobsOhio also plans to provide assistance for the project, with details to be disclosed after a final agreement is completed.
“GA-ASI’s decision to choose Ohio for its new innovation hub speaks to Ohio’s aviation heritage and the ingenuity of our people,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “This continued growth is part of a long-term strategy to deliver the facilities, infrastructure and talent necessary to ensure UAS pioneers can scale operations and succeed here in Ohio.”
Ohio is home to more than 640 aerospace facilities and 400 defense contractor organizations, according to the announcement. The state’s aerospace and defense sector supports 418,000 jobs and generates about $55 billion in annual economic output.
JobsOhio said the facility would strengthen the state’s role in national defense and add skilled employment in Beavercreek. “GA-ASI’s latest investment in Ohio reinforces our state’s vital role in strengthening America’s national defense,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef.
General Atomics has supplied uncrewed aircraft, including the Predator and Reaper, to the U.S. Air Force for 30 years. The service awarded the company a production contract in June for the FQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft, a purpose-built uncrewed fighter developed for next-generation semi-autonomous combat operations.
The Ohio project may also seek a Job Creation Tax Credit from the state Department of Development. Any application would be considered at a future meeting of the Ohio Tax Credit Authority.
