GERMANTOWN, MD – Governor Wes Moore joined AeroVironment (AV), a global leader in defense technology, on Wednesday to officially open a new $12.5 million research and manufacturing facility in Germantown. The state-of-the-art site will bring over 200 new high-skilled jobs to Montgomery County and expand AV’s Maryland workforce to 600 employees.
The 57,000-square-foot facility marks AV’s seventh location in Maryland and reflects a significant investment in the state’s growing aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity sectors.
A Major Investment in Maryland’s Defense and Tech Economy
Governor Moore praised the opening as a symbol of Maryland’s leadership in innovation and national security.
“AV’s reinvestment in Maryland strengthens our state’s position as a global hub for aerospace and defense,” said Gov. Moore. “By expanding its footprint in Germantown, AV continues to drive innovation in cyber, aviation, and emerging tech—creating high-skilled jobs and keeping Maryland at the forefront of cutting-edge research and discovery.”
AV’s new facility will support the development of next-generation defense capabilities across domains including air, land, sea, space, and cyber. The site features advanced engineering labs, collaborative production spaces, and integrated systems testing designed to support mission-critical programs like AV’s PANTHER phased array antenna, Argus perimeter security system, and various AI-powered defense tools.
Industry Growth Backed by Public Support
The facility is part of AV’s expansion following its recent acquisition of BlueHalo and represents a key milestone in strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base. The Moore-Miller Administration supported the project with:
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$1 million conditional loan from the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Advantage Maryland program
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$50,000 grant through the Partnership for Workforce Quality program
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$100,000 conditional grant from Montgomery County’s Economic Development Fund
“This facility is more than a building—it is a hub for innovation, collaboration, and mission-driven work that will shape the future of defense technology,” said Deane Edelman, AV’s Vice President of Real Estate and Facility Operations.
AV currently employs more than 3,750 people across 30 locations in 14 states. Its Maryland presence includes facilities in Annapolis Junction, Columbia, Jessup, and Stevensville, bringing the company’s total Maryland footprint to over 176,000 square feet.
Local Leaders Applaud Economic and Workforce Impact
Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. highlighted the importance of the investment, calling it critical to Maryland’s continued competitiveness in national defense.
“With the addition of 200 new highly-skilled jobs, Maryland will remain a Mid-Atlantic leader in the aerospace and defense industry,” said Coker.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich emphasized the county’s strong workforce and AV’s role in strengthening local innovation.
“We appreciate their recognition of our strong talent pool and welcome them as an employer of more than 200 high-tech workers in Germantown,” Elrich said.
County Council President Kate Stewart echoed that sentiment, noting the facility’s role in boosting the local economy.
“BlueHalo’s momentous expansion will bring high-paying, highly skilled jobs and attract top talent to Montgomery County,” she said.
Andy Chod, Co-President of Minkoff Development and Board Member of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, celebrated the building’s completion and AV’s growing presence.
“Montgomery County is home to many of the top defense technology companies in the nation. AV’s continued growth and investment in this area is a testament to the county’s dynamic and innovative business ecosystem,” Chod said.
AV’s Mission: Delivering Next-Generation Defense Capabilities
AV designs and manufactures a range of defense and security technologies, including:
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Autonomous systems
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Electronic warfare platforms
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Space-based systems
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Cybersecurity and energy systems
“AV is focused on addressing the Department of Defense’s highest national security priorities,” said Trip Ferguson, AV’s President of Space, Cyber, and Directed Energy. “This new state-of-the-art facility in Maryland is another capstone in AV’s nationwide manufacturing network and a testament to the strength of our nation’s Defense Industrial Base.”
With its new Germantown facility officially open, AV is poised to accelerate development and deployment of vital technologies that serve U.S. defense missions and position Maryland as a cornerstone of innovation in the years to come.
Fast Facts:
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Facility size: 57,000 sq. ft.
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Location: Germantown, MD
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Investment: $12.5 million
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Jobs created: 200+ high-tech positions
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Total Maryland workforce: 600
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Total Maryland locations: 7
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Total AV employees nationwide: 3,750+
The new Germantown site not only reinforces AeroVironment’s position as a leader in defense technology but also represents a significant step forward for Maryland’s economic development and innovation-driven workforce.
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