Shield AI Plans Des Moines, Washington, AI-Piloted Aircraft Manufacturing Operations

Area Development News Desk

10/19/2026

Defense technology company Shield AI plans to establish operations in Des Moines, Washington. The more than $300 million project is expected to create approximately 4,000 jobs by the early 2030s.

The investment will include the construction of a 420,000-square-foot manufacturing and engineering facility at Des Moines Creek Business Park West where the company will manufacture its X-BAT AI-piloted vertical takeoff and landing fighter aircraft. Production is scheduled to begin in 2029.

“Washington state has once again proven that it is the premier global leader for innovation,” said Washington State Department of Commerce Interim Director Sarah Clifthorne. “Our world-class talent and robust manufacturing ecosystem continue to draw pioneering companies like Shield AI to our region. We look forward to the thousands of high-quality jobs it will create for the Greater Seattle community.”

Shield AI specializes in the development of autonomous aircraft and artificial intelligence-powered defense technologies. The company develops AI pilots, unmanned aircraft systems and autonomous flight software for military and national security applications.

“Our role at Greater Seattle Partners is to make it easier for companies to choose and invest in our region. For this project, that meant bringing the right partners to the table, connecting the site selection team with state, county and local leaders, and helping them navigate everything from incentives and permitting the resources needed to move quickly. We were proud to work alongside the Washington State Department of Commerce, the City of Des Moines, King County, the Port of Seattle and our other partners to create as seamless a landing as possible for Shield AI. This is regional economic development at its best, and we are excited to welcome Shield AI and thousands of new jobs to Greater Seattle,” noted Greater Seattle Partners President and CEO Shannon Braddock.

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