Helsing has announced that West Virginia will become the company’s first U.S. manufacturing base. The announcement was made alongside the West Virginia Governor, Patrick Morrisey, and extends Helsing’s presence in the U.S. strongly.
The new West Virginia facility, designed as part of Helsing’s global network of Resilience Factories, will produce the HX-2, an advanced, AI-enabled strike drone. The HX-2 is already combat-proven in Ukraine, where thousands of systems are successfully deployed to the front lines. The platform has also undergone extensive testing by allied armed forces, including by the U.S. Army during the exercise Flytrap in Lithuania.
Designed for high-volume production and rapid deployment, the HX-2 represents a new generation of affordable precision capabilities built for the challenges of modern combat.
Once fully operational, the West Virginia manufacturing base will be capable of producing more than 2000 HX-2 drones per month and have the ability to scale further according to demand.
Governor Patrick Morrisey Comments:
Governor Patrick Morrisey said: “Helsing’s decision to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in West Virginia is another signal that our state is becoming a destination for advanced manufacturing and defense technology. This investment will create high-skilled jobs, strengthen America’s defense industrial base, and demonstrate that West Virginia has the workforce, energy resources, and manufacturing heritage to help lead the next generation of industrial innovation. We’re proud to welcome Helsing to the Mountain State.”
Dr. Jennifer McArdle Comments:
Dr. Jennifer McArdle, the General Manager of Helsing US, added: “Modern deterrence requires advanced technology and the ability to produce it at speed, at scale, and in sustained volumes. The conflicts of today demonstrate that industrial capacity is a critical strategic advantage. With its commitment to innovation, skilled local workforce and competitive infrastructure, West Virginia is the right place for Helsing to start building this industrial capacity in the U.S.”
The announcement comes as the U.S. moves to strengthen its defence industrial base and increase production capacity for military systems. West Virginia was selected by Helsing following a competitive nationwide evaluation of potential locations, reflecting the state’s industrial heritage, skilled workforce, and commitment to rebuilding America’s manufacturing capacity.
