# Helsing picks West Virginia for its first US HX-2 strike drone factory

Canonical page: https://technooptimist.io/stories/helsing-picks-west-virginia-for-its-first-us-hx-2-strike-drone-factory-253247a1
Date: 14 Jul 2026
About: [Helsing](https://technooptimist.io/companies/helsing.md) · [HX-2](https://technooptimist.io/aviation/hx-2.md)
Original source: https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/german-uav-firm-helsing-picks-west-virginia-for-first-us-manufacturing/

Helsing will build HX-2 strike drones at a new factory in Martinsburg, West Virginia, its first manufacturing site in the United States. The state governor's office says the company starts with a $50 million investment to open the facility.

## Key facts

- The company says the Martinsburg plant is planned to reach initial operating capability by November, with full-rate production targeted within a year.
- Helsing's US general manager said the plant could build up to 2,000 drones a month once running.
- The $50 million figure comes from the West Virginia governor's office release; the article gives no job count.

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