[CLSTR]
< Back to all clusters
[BUSINESS] · United States · 2 sources

Shield AI to build unmanned fighter jet facility in Des Moines

Shield AI unmanned fighter jet X-BAT aerospace manufacturing Puget Sound

San Diego-based aerospace company Shield AI has signed a lease to establish a new facility in Des Moines, Washington, for the production of the X-BAT, an AI-piloted unmanned fighter jet. The 420,000-square-foot facility, located in the Des Moines Creek 2 light industrial park near Sea-Tac Airport, is being developed by Panattoni on land owned by the Port of Seattle.

The project is expected to bring more than $300 million in direct investment to the city and create hundreds of high-paying jobs. Shield AI selected the Puget Sound region due to its established aerospace workforce and extensive supplier base.

While manufacturing will take place in Des Moines, the X-BAT is scheduled to undergo flight testing at the Newton City-County Airport in Kansas. Production is slated to begin in 2029, with the company aiming to reach full production rates in the early 2030s.

Entities

Des Moines · Panattoni · Port of Seattle · Shield AI

Sources

Des Moines chosen for new unmanned fighter jet facility [www.kirklandreporter.com]
Des Moines chosen for new unmanned fighter jet facility - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber [www.vashonbeachcomber.com]