AEVEX Launches 'Drone Factory of the Future' and Expands its Robust UAS Portfolio through the Acquisition of Select Assets from RapidFlight

SOLANA BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AEVEX, a global leader in cutting-edge unmanned systems, has acquired select assets and intellectual property from RapidFlight, a Manassas, Va.-based manufacturer of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). The acquisition expands AEVEX’s robust portfolio of aircraft and mission solutions, adding new platforms and advanced additive manufacturing capacity to meet evolving operational demands.

The move strengthens AEVEX’s position among the nation’s leading UAS producers and complements its track record of delivering combat-proven, mission-ready solutions for defense and national security customers. By integrating these capabilities into AEVEX’s established design, rapid prototyping, and scalable manufacturing processes, the company will compress design-to-delivery timelines from months to weeks while expanding domestic production pathways.

As a proof point, AEVEX has delivered over 5000 One-Way-Attack (OWA) uncrewed aircraft to the battlefield in the last 3 years, underscoring the company’s ability to scale reliably while maintaining the repeatability and quality defense missions demand. With these additions, customers gain more choice across size, endurance, and payload classes while benefiting from simplified supply chains and modular, mission-tailorable designs—resulting in a broader family of systems engineered to need, delivered at speed, and optimized for rapid refresh as requirements evolve.

AEVEX is deploying a proprietary additive manufacturing approach—its “drone factory of the future”—that moves production to the point of need. It enables 3-D-printed, modular airframes to be built anywhere, including at the tactical edge, streamlining logistics, simplifying sustainment, and accelerating innovation at scale in contested battlespaces.

“Acquiring select RapidFlight assets is a significant step forward in how AEVEX delivers innovative solutions at speed and scale,” said Roger Wells, president of AEVEX Aerospace. “In contested environments, the ability to manufacture and launch drones within hours is a decisive advantage—and our expanded additive manufacturing expertise helps make that a reality. We’re excited to integrate these capabilities, expand our portfolio, and keep delivering mission-ready solutions to our customers.”

About AEVEX Aerospace:

AEVEX Aerospace supports U.S. and partner nation security objectives by providing comprehensive aviation and technology-based solutions. The company offers a diverse portfolio of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), combat-proven loitering munitions, and multi-mission Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV). These capabilities complement AEVEX’s strengths in custom engineering, manned and unmanned aircraft modification, sensor integration, intelligence analysis, and specialized mission systems. AEVEX is headquartered in Solana Beach, California, with additional facilities in California, Florida, Ohio, and Virginia.