Swarm Aero opens advanced manufacturing center in Fayetteville to expand large drone production

Drake Field serves as the site of the new center, which expands Swarm’s manufacturing footprint into Northwest Arkansas. Company leaders said the Arkansas operation will play a central role in scaling production of its large UAV platforms.

“We looked at over 20 states before deciding to put down manufacturing roots in Fayetteville, Arkansas. We chose Northwest Arkansas because of the exceptional talent and partners, and we’re thrilled to continue our growth here,” said Danny Goodman, CEO and Co-Founder of Swarm Aero. “Large UAVs are 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. 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 says its mission is to renew American air power by producing large uncrewed aircraft designed to help the United States defend itself and its allies without putting pilots at risk. The company describes the Advanced Manufacturing Center as the site where that goal is put into practice, supported by a composite airframe production approach intended to enable manufacturing at volumes not seen since World War II.

“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. “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. We are proud to welcome Swarm to Northwest Arkansas and look forward to supporting their growth as part of our community.”