Hawthorn Aero Announces $16.5 Million Expansion to Strengthen America's Defense Production Capacity

JobsOhio investment supports growth of Hawthorn Aero's 150,000-square-foot campus, creating 279 new jobs and expanding high-rate production capabilities for the nation's defense industrial base.

MIAMISBURG, Ohio, Aug. 5, 2026 - Hawthorn Aero, a high-rate production partner for the aerospace and defense industry, today announced a $16.5 million expansion of its Ohio operations, supported by $2 million in funding from JobsOhio through the JobsOhio Aerospace and Defense Opportunity Grant and the JobsOhio Economic Development Grant.

The investment expands Hawthorn Aero's operations in Miamisburg, Ohio, growing the company's advanced production campus to approximately 150,000 square feet while creating an estimated 279 new high-skilled jobs. The expanded facilities will significantly increase production capacity for advanced aerospace structures and integrated defense systems, enabling customers to transition innovative technologies into affordable, high-rate systems.

The additional capacity will initially support increased production and integration of the AGM-188A Rusty Dagger weapon system while establishing scalable production capability for future autonomous aircraft, precision-guided munitions and next-generation aerospace and defense programs.

Located in the heart of Ohio's aerospace and defense corridor, Hawthorn Aero's expansion further strengthens the manufacturing ecosystem surrounding Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Air Force Research Laboratory. As the region continues to generate breakthrough aerospace and defense technologies, Hawthorn Aero is investing in the production capacity required to rapidly transition those innovations into affordable, high-rate production. The expanded campus reinforces Southwest Ohio's position as one of the nation's premier centers for defense innovation, production readiness and industrial scale-up.

America's defense readiness depends on companies that can move from idea to production quickly, and Hawthorn Aero proves Ohio is where that happens," said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. "Hawthorn Aero is a homegrown company, built on technology invented in the Dayton Region, that continues to expand here with talented workers who are strengthening our national defense.

America doesn't have an innovation problem. It has a production capacity problem," said Tom Margraf, Chief Executive Officer of Hawthorn Aero. "Hawthorn Aero is purpose-built to solve that challenge. We are creating the production capacity needed to deliver advanced defense systems faster, at greater scale, and at lower cost. Our mission is to strengthen the defense industrial base as a high-rate production partner, delivering cost-effective production solutions that enable affordable mass and ensure America's warfighters have the capabilities they need when they need them. Simply put, we are built for production.

The project is supported through two complementary JobsOhio programs.

The JobsOhio Aerospace and Defense Opportunity Grant provides $1 million to support the development of Hawthorn Aero's newest aerospace and defense production facility.

The JobsOhio Economic Development Grant provides an additional $1 million to support facility expansion, advanced production equipment, infrastructure improvements and workforce growth across Hawthorn Aero's Miamisburg operations.

Hawthorn Aero's expansion is the latest proof point in the continued growth of Ohio's aerospace and defense sector," said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. "The company's manufacturing of high-value composite solutions strengthens the state's advanced aerospace industry - including advanced air mobility anchored by assets like the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence - and directly contributes to Ohio's leadership in the defense and commercial drone and UAS markets, all while creating high-quality jobs and delivering the capabilities our nation's security demands.

Hawthorn Aero's continued growth demonstrates why the Dayton Region remains one of the nation's premier aerospace and defense hubs," said Jeff Hoagland, President and CEO of the Dayton Development Coalition. "With unparalleled innovation occurring around Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, companies like Hawthorn Aero play a vital role in ensuring those technologies can transition rapidly into scalable production. This expansion further strengthens the region's contribution to the nation's defense industrial base.

The expansion reinforces Hawthorn Aero's long-term strategy of becoming America's premier high-rate production partner for advanced aerospace and defense systems. Designed around scalable production systems, advanced automation, digital manufacturing and disciplined execution, the expanded campus will help government agencies, prime contractors, and emerging defense companies transition innovative technologies from prototype to operational production with the speed, affordability and manufacturing capacity required by today's national security environment.

As demand grows for affordable mass production across autonomous systems, precision-guided weapons, one-way attack, collaborative combat aircraft and other next-generation defense capabilities, Hawthorn Aero continues to invest in the facilities, workforce and production technologies required to strengthen the nation's defense industrial base and deliver production at scale.

About Hawthorn Aero

Hawthorn Aero is a high-rate production partner specializing in advanced aerospace and defense systems. The company helps government agencies, prime contractors, and emerging defense technology companies transition innovative products from development into affordable, full-rate production. Through advanced manufacturing, innovative engineering, disciplined execution, and a scalable production model, Hawthorn Aero delivers composite airframes, structural assemblies, precision integration, and complete production solutions that enable affordable mass and strengthen the defense industrial base. Headquartered in Miamisburg, Ohio, Hawthorn Aero operates approximately 150,000 square feet of advanced production space supporting critical national security programs throughout the United States.

About JobsOhio

JobsOhio, Ohio's private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention and expansion across 10 competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership, and Team NEO. JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage.

Media Contacts

Angela Fraley
VP - Business Services
Hawthorn Aero
937-267-4829
[email protected]

For interview requests with Tom Margraf, CEO, please contact Angela Fraley.