Qatari-owned Barzan Aeronautical, an aerial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems company, will invest $14.7 million to establish operations in Johns Island, South Carolina. The project is expected to create 34 jobs in Charleston County.

Located at 2744 Fort Trenholm Road at Johns Island Airport, the new facility will focus on engineering and manufacturing of technology-based unmanned aircrafts. Operations are expected to be online in late 2022.

“The talented workforce, strategic location and welcoming pro-growth business climate make Charleston County the ideal place to grow our company. We are excited to partner with local entities to be successful, and we are looking forward to being a valuable part of the community,” said Barzan Aeronautical, LLC CEO John Hardwick.

Founded in 2018, Barzan Aeronautical, a Qatari-owned, U.S.-based company, works with U.S. and NATO governments along with top national defense and aviation companies to support the deployment of aerial ISR systems for defense, security and environmental use.

“Companies that serve our growing aerospace and defense sectors are quickly finding a home in South Carolina. Barzan Aeronautical, LLC’s new operations in Charleston County are a testament to our state’s competitive business climate and talented workforce,” noted Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.