GA-ASI breaks ground on new 85,000‑sq‑ft hangar at El Mirage Airfield to boost MQ-9B production
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. broke ground January 14, 2026, on an 85,000-square-foot hangar at El Mirage Airfield to expand assembly, production, testing and operations of MQ-9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft amid rising global demand.
Key takeaways
- New facility: GA-ASI began construction of a nearly 85,000‑square‑foot hangar at El Mirage Airfield to support MQ-9B assembly, testing and operations.
- Capabilities: The site will include space for up to 12 Certifiable Ground Control Stations (CGCS), three launch pads and four gate terminals.
- Local partners and officials: The January 14 ceremony included GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue, San Bernardino County Supervisor Jesse Armendarez and Parkway Construction CEO Ryan Elmer (Parkway is the general contractor).
- Context: A separate public filing named Desert Horizons II (see CEQA record) proposes a much larger 800‑acre expansion nearby, though no public link to GA‑ASI has been confirmed.
Main coverage
Project details and purpose
GA-ASI says the new hangar will expand capacity to assemble and test the MQ-9B SkyGuardian®/SeaGuardian® family of remotely piloted aircraft. The facility encompasses nearly 85,000 square feet of enclosed space, includes three aircraft launch pads and four gate terminals, and reserves room for as many as a dozen Certifiable Ground Control Stations (the consoles operators use to fly and monitor RPAs). For company detail see the GA-ASI press release.
Groundbreaking event and attendees
The January 14, 2026 ceremony at El Mirage Airfield drew GA-ASI team members and local dignitaries. Linden Blue, GA-ASI CEO, noted that breaking ground is “always an exciting day for our company” and emphasized the need to meet a growing order book for new MQ-9Bs. Local leaders included San Bernardino County Supervisor Jesse Armendarez. Parkway Construction, led by CEO Ryan Elmer, is managing construction.
Linden Blue: “Breaking ground is always an exciting day for our company.”
Demand and international customers
The expansion comes as demand for the MQ-9B rises worldwide. Nations including the United Kingdom, Canada and Germany have placed orders or announced plans to acquire SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian systems. Germany recently announced an order for eight SeaGuardian aircraft, highlighting growing international interest in endurance‑class RPAs for surveillance and maritime patrol. GA-ASI notes its Predator line has logged more than 9 million flight hours across models such as the MQ-9A Reaper and MQ-9B.
Desert Horizons II permit filing — an investigative thread
Public records show a related, larger land-use proposal filed with county planners under the name Desert Horizons II (PROJ-2025-00050). That filing requests a Conditional Use Permit and Major Variance for an 800-acre expansion at 73 El Mirage Airport Road, listing a 118,020‑square‑foot hangar, a 19,512‑square‑foot ground control building and a 20,000‑square‑foot stockroom for UAV manufacturing and testing. The Desert Horizons II documents are publicly available via the Desert Horizons II CEQA filing. Local records and company statements do not explicitly link Desert Horizons II to GA-ASI, and no public confirmation was available as of January 20, 2026.
Implications for the United States
Economic impact — jobs and local spending
For rural and high‑desert communities, defense contracts and facility construction typically translate into construction jobs and longer‑term technical roles. Parkway Construction’s build will employ local trades and subcontractors; once operational, the hangar should support engineers, technicians, ground crew and security personnel tied to MQ-9B production and testing. These positions often pay above local averages and can stimulate small business activity in nearby towns.
Political consequences — federal contracts and oversight
An expanded RPA production footprint raises questions about federal procurement, oversight and export controls. GA-ASI’s international sales to NATO partners and allies strengthen defense ties but invite scrutiny in Congress and among local stakeholders regarding public spending and export rules. County officials — including Supervisor Jesse Armendarez — may play a role in reconciling county interests with industry growth.
Social effects — community concerns and quality of life
Residents must weigh job creation against potential changes to quality of life. Increased airfield activity can bring noise, traffic and more workers moving into the area. The Desert Horizons II filings suggest the potential for much larger facilities nearby, which could amplify community concerns and spur additional public hearings under county planning and CEQA review.
Cultural relevance — national defense in rural America
For many rural, conservative‑leaning communities, defense manufacturing and related jobs are central to economic identity and national security. An expanding GA-ASI presence connects local identity to high‑tech industry and mission-driven employment, provided county oversight balances growth with community interests.
Practical applications — what residents should expect
- Construction activity: Expect truck traffic, building crews and short-term disruption during the hangar build; Parkway Construction is the general contractor.
- Employment openings: GA-ASI and contractors may post openings for skilled and semi-skilled positions; local workforce development offices should monitor hiring notices.
- Public review opportunities: The Desert Horizons II CEQA filing is available for review and contains details on proposed larger facilities; residents can track permit hearings and comment periods through county planning.
Reporting note
GA-ASI’s press release and multiple industry outlets reported the groundbreaking between January 14 and January 19, 2026. Public planning documents for Desert Horizons II are available online but have not been publicly tied to GA-ASI by the company as of January 20, 2026. Readers seeking more detail should review the public records and contact San Bernardino County planning staff for updates.
Sources and further reading
- GA-ASI press release
- UAS Weekly coverage
- MRO Business Today coverage
- AVI Trader coverage
- Desert Horizons II CEQA filing (PROJ-2025-00050)
- Defense Advancement coverage
- GA corporate site
- GA-ASI tag on AVI Trader
Coverage dates referenced: January 14–19, 2026. Article compiled from company releases, industry reporting and public CEQA records available via the links above.
