Platform Aerospace Expands St. Mary’s County, Maryland, Manufacturing Operations

Area Development News Desk

07/08/2026

Unmanned aircraft systems manufacturer Platform Aerospace plans to establish operations in California, Maryland.

The investment will include the lease of approximately 80,000 square feet of engineering, design, and production space to increase manufacturing capacity for the company’s MQ-22 Swift (Vanilla) ultra-long endurance unmanned aircraft system.

“Platform Aerospace is dedicated to providing a groundbreaking Group 3 unmanned system with unmatched endurance, modular payloads, and mission-aligned effects, including kinetic effects. Our entire team is laser focused on our customers’ mission,” said Jim Snow, Chief Growth Officer of Platform Aerospace. “With this expansion, we are independently leaning forward to support the Department of Defense’s rapid acquisition requirements and relying on our government partners to follow through with a stable and growing demand signal against multi-year procurement agreements.”

To support the project, the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County are providing Platform Aerospace with up to $100,000 over 10 years through the county’s New and Expanding Business Tax Credit. The Maryland Department of Commerce is also working with the company to explore potential financial incentives, including Advantage Maryland and the state’s Job Creation Tax Credit.

“Platform Aerospace is a global leader in cutting-edge UAS development and an important partner to Maryland’s aerospace, defense and manufacturing industries,” noted Harry Coker, Jr., Secretary of the Maryland Department of Commerce. “Maryland Commerce is thrilled to support this expansion and the addition of good new jobs in our state.”

Platform Aerospace designs, manufactures, and operates unmanned aircraft systems for defense, commercial, and research applications. The company’s MQ-22 Swift (Vanilla) platform is an ultra-long endurance Group 3 unmanned aircraft capable of carrying payloads of up to 150 pounds while supporting extended-duration missions.

“Projects like this are the result of strong partnerships, long-term planning, and a dedicated effort to support business growth in St. Mary’s County,” added Cindy Greb, Director of the St. Mary’s County Department of Economic Development. “The Department of Economic Development team has worked closely with Platform Aerospace throughout this process, and we appreciate the continued collaboration of our local and state partners, including the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County. This expansion will support the creation of hundreds of new high-quality jobs and further strengthen our county’s position as a leader in aerospace, aviation, and unmanned systems innovation.”

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