On Wednesday, Governor Wes Moore joined AeroVironment (AV) to celebrate the grand opening of its $12.5 million defense research and manufacturing facility in Germantown, which is expected to create over 200 high-tech jobs and expand the company’s statewide workforce to 600. The project represents a major investment in Maryland’s aerospace and defense sector and received support from both state and county economic development programs.
Per the news release distributed on Wednesday, July 16: “Governor Wes Moore today joined global defense technology leader AV, also known as AeroVironment, to mark the official grand opening of its $12.5 million next-generation defense research and manufacturing facility in Germantown, Maryland. The 57,000-square-foot facility represents a significant milestone for AV and a major investment in Maryland’s lighthouse industries, as the is expected to create more than 200 high-tech, high-paying jobs—bringing the company’s statewide employment to 600 workers.
“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 is a defense technology leader across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. The company develops and deploys autonomous systems, advanced cyber and electronic technologies, space-based platforms, and energy systems to meet defense mission needs. With a national manufacturing footprint and a deep innovation pipeline, AV delivers future-defining defense capabilities at speed and scale, with precise operational relevance.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this grand opening alongside so many esteemed partners and stakeholders who helped make this expansion happen, most notably our dedicated team of engineers and innovators whose ingenuity supports not only AV’s growth but our nation’s security,”
said AV Real Estate and Facility Operations Vice President Deane Edelman.
“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.”
The expansion is part of AV’s continued growth following its May acquisition of BlueHalo and reflects the company’s deep commitment to advancing national security capabilities through next-generation technology. The facility’s advanced engineering labs, production spaces, and collaborative environments will accelerate mission-critical technologies like its PANTHER phased array antenna for hypersonic tracking and telemetry; Argus perimeter security system; and many of its artificial intelligence solutions.
“AV is focused on addressing the Department of Defense’s highest national security priorities,”
said AV Space, Cyber, and Directed Energy Segment President Trip Ferguson.
“That’s why we’re not only dedicated to the development of critical defense technologies, like autonomous systems, counter-drone systems, and space capabilities, but also to strengthening U.S. defense manufacturing capabilities. 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.”
“On behalf of the State of Maryland, we are proud to support AV’s expansion in Montgomery County. This new facility’s impact on autonomous systems and cybersecurity services will keep our state competitive and thriving with cutting-edge technology,”
said Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr.
“And with the addition of 200 new highly-skilled jobs, Maryland will remain a Mid-Atlantic leader in the aerospace and defense industry.”
“As we continue to expand R&D and manufacturing in Montgomery County, especially in advanced fields like biotechnology and aerospace communications, we are excited to welcome AV to our community,”
said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich.
“We appreciate their recognition of our strong talent pool and welcome them as an employer of more than 200 high-tech workers in Germantown.”
“Montgomery County proudly celebrates innovation and investments in cutting-edge research and technologies,”
said Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart.
“BlueHalo’s momentous expansion will boost our economy and bring high-paying, highly skilled jobs and attract top talent to Montgomery County.”
The new Germantown facility is AV’s seventh Maryland location, with additional offices in Annapolis Junction, Columbia, Jessup, and Stevensville—bringing the company’s statewide footprint to more than 176,000 square feet. AV employs 3,750 individuals in 30 U.S. locations across 14 states built to design, manufacture, and deliver next-generation technologies to serve the nation’s most critical missions.
“Congratulations to AV on the opening of their facility here in Germantown,”
said Minkoff Development Co-President and Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation Board Member Andy Chod.
“Minkoff Development is proud to have built this state-of-the-art building and MCEDC looks forward to continuing to support AV’s business needs as they transition into this new facility. Montgomery County is home to many of the top defense technology companies in the nation, and AV’s continued growth and investment in this area is a testament to the county’s dynamic and innovative business ecosystem.”
