Defense & Military
PBS Aerospace Expands US Operations with New Facility in Georgia
PBS Aerospace opens North American HQ in Roswell, Georgia, investing $20M to produce turbojet engines and create 150 jobs in aerospace manufacturing.
PBS Aerospace’s Strategic Expansion: Establishing North American Operations in Georgia’s Thriving Aerospace Hub
PBS Aerospace’s decision to establish its North American headquarters in Roswell, Georgia, marks a pivotal moment in the company’s global expansion. As a leading manufacturers of precision-made turbojet engines, PBS Aerospace brings decades of European engineering expertise to the United States, investing $20 million into a new facility that aims to serve the growing needs of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied defense contractors. This expansion is not only a testament to the company’s confidence in the American market but also an illustration of Georgia’s emergence as a major aerospace industry hub, with an economic impact estimated at $57.5 billion statewide.
The new Roswell facility, which began production in the spring of 2025, is designed to manufacture thousands of small turbojet engines annually. These engines are critical for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), advanced munitions, and interceptor systems, technologies that are in high demand due to evolving global security challenges and the heightened importance of supply chain security for defense applications. The investment is expected to create at least 95 high-paying jobs, with projections of up to 150 jobs over five years, further strengthening Georgia’s skilled workforce and supporting the region’s economic development.
By aligning its advanced manufacturing capabilities with strategic partnerships, including those with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Department of Defense, PBS Aerospace is positioning itself at the forefront of technological innovation and national security priorities. The convergence of European aerospace expertise and American industrial infrastructure in Georgia underscores the significance of this expansion for both PBS Aerospace and the broader U.S. defense manufacturing sector.
Historical Background and Corporate Evolution
PBS Aerospace operates as the American subsidiary of PBS Velká Bíteš, a Czech engineering company with roots dating back to 1950. The parent company, part of the larger PBS Group, originated in the Moravian region of the Czech Republic and initially focused on industrial equipment manufacturing. Over time, PBS Velká Bíteš diversified into the aerospace sector, beginning with the development of auxiliary power units for the Aero L-39 Albatros aircraft in the 1970s.
By the early 2000s, the company had expanded its portfolio to include turbojet, turboshaft, and turboprop engines for small crewed and uncrewed aircraft, UAVs, and target drones. Notably, PBS Velká Bíteš reached a milestone in 2020 with the production of its 1,000th TJ100 jet engine, a testament to its growing reputation in the specialized field of small turbine propulsion.
The company’s evolution has been guided by a commitment to quality and international standards, earning certifications from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and adhering to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 protocols. Under the ownership of William Didden and the leadership of CEO Milan Macholan, PBS Velká Bíteš has transformed from a regional manufacturer into a globally recognized aerospace technology provider, setting the stage for its strategic entry into the U.S. market.
Strategic Investment and Facility Development
The establishment of the Roswell headquarters represents a carefully planned $20 million investment. The facility includes both a renovated building and a newly constructed site, designed to accommodate manufacturing, research and development, and administrative functions. Local government support, particularly expedited permitting and developer programs, enabled PBS Aerospace to transition from announcement to operational status in less than three months, a process that typically takes much longer in the aerospace industry.
Roswell was selected over competing sites in Texas and Florida due to its strategic advantages, including proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and major interstate highways, as well as access to a skilled workforce supplied by Georgia Tech and other local institutions. The facility’s design emphasizes scalability, with initial production focused on the TJ40 and TJ80 turbojet engines and infrastructure in place to support rapid expansion as demand grows.
Production at the new facility began in April 2025, with the first engines tested at Georgia Tech. Full-scale operations were projected to ramp up by the summer, with initial deliveries to the U.S. Air Force scheduled for September. The investment also includes the establishment of PBS Aerospace’s first U.S.-based research and development operations, reflecting a long-term commitment to innovation and adaptation to American defense requirements.
“The rapid deployment of our Roswell facility demonstrates both PBS Aerospace’s operational expertise and the supportive business environment that Georgia offers to the aerospace industry.”
Production Capabilities and Manufacturing Technology
PBS Aerospace’s Roswell facility is equipped to produce a range of small turbojet engines, from the 100-pound thrust TJ40 to the planned 500-pound thrust TJ200. These engines are designed for integration into UAVs, advanced munitions, and other defense systems. The manufacturing process leverages advanced precision engineering techniques developed over decades in the company’s Czech operations, ensuring high reliability and performance for mission-critical applications.
The facility’s projected capacity is in the thousands of engines annually by 2026, with initial production focusing on hundreds of units during the startup phase. This scalability is facilitated by modular manufacturing layouts and quality management systems consistent with international aerospace standards. The integration with Georgia Tech for engine testing further enhances product development and quality assurance, exemplifying the benefits of academic-industry collaboration.
Advanced materials processing, including precision casting and cryogenic technology, supports the specialized metallurgical requirements of turbine components. The facility’s adherence to ISO 9001 quality protocols and alignment with EASA certifications ensures compliance with Department of Defense procurement standards and positions PBS Aerospace as a qualified supplier for major defense contractors.
Economic and Strategic Impact
The economic impact of PBS Aerospace’s investment extends well beyond the direct creation of high-paying jobs. The facility’s operations generate demand for local suppliers, logistics providers, and professional services, creating a multiplier effect throughout the Atlanta metropolitan region. With an expected payroll of over $14 million annually and the potential to hire up to 150 professionals, the project contributes to Georgia’s reputation as a center for high-skilled, high-wage employment.
The company’s presence strengthens Georgia’s aerospace sector, which supports over 800 companies and is the state’s leading export industry. PBS Aerospace’s integration into this ecosystem is likely to attract additional suppliers and partners, further consolidating the region’s status as a national aerospace hub. The investment also aligns with Georgia’s broader economic development strategy, which has seen a 14% increase in aerospace company locations in recent years.
Local and state government played a crucial role in facilitating the project, with coordinated support from the City of Roswell, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and the Metro Atlanta Chamber. These partnerships reflect a collaborative approach that is increasingly necessary for attracting and retaining advanced manufacturing investments in a competitive global market.
“Georgia’s aerospace industry is valued at $57.5 billion, and PBS Aerospace’s investment is a significant addition to the state’s robust manufacturing ecosystem.”
Strategic Partnerships and Defense Applications
PBS Aerospace’s American operations are fundamentally structured around partnerships with major defense contractors, most notably Lockheed Martin. These collaborations provide market access, technical exchange, and opportunities to participate in high-profile defense programs, including potential involvement in the F-35 supply chain.
The company’s turbojet engines are used in a variety of unmanned systems and advanced munitions, supporting the urgent needs of the U.S. military and allied nations. Ongoing global conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine, have underscored the importance of reliable domestic suppliers for critical defense technologies. PBS Aerospace’s capacity to produce thousands of engines annually directly addresses these requirements, enhancing the resilience of the U.S. defense industrial base.
Partnerships with international firms, such as Ukraine’s Ivchenko Progress, further illustrate PBS Aerospace’s commitment to collaborative innovation and support for allied defense needs. The development of the AI-PBS-350 engine and similar projects demonstrate the company’s ability to respond to evolving military requirements and to contribute to multinational defense initiatives.
Conclusion
PBS Aerospace’s investment in Georgia represents a convergence of technological innovation, economic development, and national security priorities. The establishment of a state-of-the-art manufacturing and R&D facility in Roswell not only creates immediate economic benefits but also strengthens America’s capacity to respond to current and future defense challenges. The company’s integration into Georgia’s aerospace ecosystem, supported by robust government and industry partnerships, serves as a model for successful international expansion in the defense sector.
Looking ahead, PBS Aerospace is well-positioned to capitalize on trends such as increased military adoption of unmanned systems, a growing emphasis on domestic manufacturing, and ongoing technological advancements in aerospace propulsion. The company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and strategic collaboration ensures its continued relevance and growth in the rapidly evolving landscape of global defense manufacturing.
FAQ
Question: What does PBS Aerospace manufacture at its new Georgia facility?
Answer: The facility produces small turbojet engines for unmanned aerial vehicles, advanced munitions, and interceptor systems, with capacity projected to reach thousands of engines annually.
Question: How many jobs will the new headquarters create?
Answer: The investment is expected to create at least 95 high-paying jobs initially, with projections of up to 150 jobs over five years.
Question: Why did PBS Aerospace choose Georgia for its North American headquarters?
Answer: Georgia was selected for its robust aerospace ecosystem, skilled workforce, proximity to major transportation hubs, and strong support from state and local government.
Question: Who are PBS Aerospace’s key partners in the U.S. defense sector?
Answer: Key partners include the U.S. Department of Defense and Lockheed Martin, with collaborative projects supporting both U.S. and allied military programs.
Question: What is the broader economic impact of PBS Aerospace’s investment in Georgia?
Answer: Beyond direct job creation, the investment supports local suppliers and service providers, strengthens Georgia’s aerospace cluster, and contributes to the state’s $57.5 billion aerospace industry.
Sources
Photo Credit: PBS – Montage
Defense & Military
India DAC Clears Rs 2.12 Lakh Crore Defence Acquisitions
India’s Defence Acquisition Council approved Rs 2,12,000 crore in military procurement, with 82% directed to domestic manufacturers.
India‘s Defence Acquisition Council cleared capital acquisition proposals valued at an estimated Rs 2,12,000 crore on October 26, 2026, directing the vast majority of the funds toward domestic aerospace and defence manufacturers.
The approvals, known as Acceptances of Necessity (AoN), mark the formal beginning of the procurement process for the Indian Armed Forces. According to a press release from the Press Information Bureau, approximately 82% of the cleared procurements will be sourced from Indian industry, underscoring the government’s ongoing push for military self-reliance.
Rotary-wing and weather surveillance modernization
The aviation and aerospace components of the clearance reflect modern battlefield priorities across multiple branches of the Indian military. A significant portion of the approval centers on modernizing the country’s rotary-wing fleets.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army will jointly procure Light Multi Role Helicopters (LMRH). The government stated the LMRH will be utilized for “Reconnaissance and Surveillance, Combat, Search and Rescue of troops, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.” The joint procurement strategy aims to standardize the utility helicopter fleet across the two branches.
In addition to the LMRH program, the IAF will acquire Special Utility Helicopters specifically configured for air transport operations. To support flight operations and tactical planning in forward areas, the IAF will also procure Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar Systems. These mobile units are designed to provide high-resolution, localized weather surveillance, a critical capability for flight safety and mission execution in challenging environments.
Expanding unmanned and air defence capabilities
The October 26 clearance heavily emphasizes unmanned aerial systems and the corresponding technologies required to defeat them. The Indian Army’s drone capabilities will undergo a significant expansion through the acquisition of Long Range Kamikaze Drone Systems, Surveillance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), and Integrated Surveillance and Strike Systems.
To counter emerging aerial threats, the armed forces will acquire Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS). These systems provide terminal air defence against low-altitude aerial threats. The procurement also includes Platform Based Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), which are specifically intended to protect armored formations from hostile drone activity.
The Indian Navy is also included in the aerospace and defence technology upgrades, with the council clearing the procurement of the Active Offboard Decoy System (AODS) to enhance maritime defensive capabilities.
The Acceptance of Necessity framework
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, serves as the highest decision-making body within the Indian Ministry of Defence regarding military procurement. The council is responsible for clearing major capital acquisitions for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
In the Indian defence procurement system, an Acceptance of Necessity represents the in-principle administrative approval that initiates the formal acquisition process. It is the mandatory first step before the government can proceed with the acquisition.
Following the AoN clearance on October 26, 2026, the Ministry of Defence will issue Requests for Proposal (RFP) to domestic defence manufacturers. The issuance of RFPs will lead to a structured process of equipment trials, commercial negotiations, and eventual contract awards to the selected vendors.
AirPro News analysis
We view the allocation of 82% of a Rs 2,12,000 crore clearance to domestic industry as a definitive structural shift in the Indian defence market. The Ministry of Defence has been aggressively pushing its “Aatmanirbharta” (self-reliance) initiative to reduce dependence on foreign military imports and build a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem. By ring-fencing such a massive capital outlay for local suppliers, the government is ensuring that the majority of the capital flows directly into the domestic aerospace and defence sectors.
For foreign original equipment manufacturers, this clearance reinforces the reality that direct, off-the-shelf sales to India are becoming increasingly rare. Accessing the Indian market now requires deep integration with domestic firms through joint ventures, technology transfers, and local manufacturing subsidiaries. The emphasis on domestic development for complex platforms like the Light Multi Role Helicopter also signals high government confidence in the maturity of local prime contractors and their supply chains.
Photo Credit: Indian Air Force
Defense & Military
RCAF Accepts First Two CF-35A Fighters at Luke Air Force Base
Canada takes delivery of CF-35A fighters AR-1 and AR-2 at Luke AFB as its C$19B procurement program remains under review.
This is original reporting and analysis by AirPro News.
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) officially accepted delivery of its first two Lockheed Martin CF-35A Lightning II stealth fighters at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona on October 22, 2026, marking the physical introduction of the fifth-generation platform into the Canadian military.
The handover of the aircraft, designated AR-1 and AR-2, proceeds even as the broader C$19 billion procurement program remains in political limbo. Following trade and diplomatic tensions with the United States, Prime Minister Mark Carney initiated a formal review of the 88-aircraft purchase in March 2025, leaving the ultimate size and composition of Canada’s future fighter fleet unconfirmed.
Initial training operations in Arizona
The first two CF-35As will remain stationed at Luke Air Force Base to support the initial training cadre of Canadian instructor pilots and maintainers. The Arizona installation serves as a primary international training hub for the F-35 platform, hosting multiple allied nations. According to the Department of National Defence (DND), a total of eight Canadian jets are planned to be based at the facility through 2026 and 2027.
The delivery occurred exactly one month after the first Canadian aircraft completed its maiden flight at Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 23, 2026. In an official statement regarding the delivery, the RCAF noted that the arrival of the jets represents a foundational step, adding that the future of air and space power is built on more than equipment alone.
Procurement review and fleet uncertainty
Canada has been a partner in the Joint Strike Fighter program since 1997. After years of political debate and a reset of the procurement process, the Canadian government selected the F-35A in 2022 over the Saab Gripen E to replace its aging McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet fleet. The CF-18 has been in service since the 1980s and is slated for retirement in the early 2030s. In January 2023, Ottawa finalized the agreement to purchase 88 F-35As.
The procurement trajectory shifted in March 2025 when Prime Minister Carney ordered a formal review of the acquisition. Currently, only 16 of the 88 jets are firmly committed and funded. Minister of National Defence David McGuinty confirmed the ongoing evaluation, stating that the question of the F-35 remains under review and that both he and the prime minister are highly engaged in the issue alongside the emerging Defence Investment Agency.
The government is actively evaluating the possibility of operating a mixed fighter fleet. This approach could integrate Saab Gripen E fighters alongside a smaller number of F-35s, reopening a competition that Saab had previously lost during the Future Fighter Capability Project selection.
Path to operational capability
Despite the political uncertainty surrounding the final fleet size, the RCAF continues to execute its transition plan for the funded aircraft. The first CF-35As are scheduled to arrive on Canadian soil at 4 Wing Cold Lake in Alberta in 2028.
The air force plans to declare Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the CF-35A fleet between 2029 and 2030. This timeline aligns with the necessary infrastructure upgrades at Canadian bases and the completion of initial pilot and maintainer training in the United States.
AirPro News analysis
Canada’s ongoing review of the F-35 program is highly unusual for a Tier 3 partner at this late stage of procurement. While the physical delivery of AR-1 and AR-2 ensures the RCAF can begin building its fifth-generation institutional knowledge, the potential pivot to a mixed fleet introduces significant logistical and interoperability questions. Operating both the CF-35A and the Saab Gripen E would require maintaining two distinct supply chains, training pipelines, and maintenance infrastructures. We note that these dual-fleet requirements could potentially offset the initial acquisition savings of a split purchase, complicating the RCAF’s transition away from the CF-18 Hornet.
Photo Credit: Royal Canadian Air Force
Defense & Military
U.S. Army Validates AH-64E Apache Maritime Lifting Sling
The U.S. Army validated a lifting sling for the AH-64E Apache, enabling crane-based maritime loading with rotor blades folded.
The U.S. Army has successfully validated a prototype lifting sling for the Boeing AH-64E Apache, clearing the attack helicopter for crane-based maritime loading and unloading with its main rotor blades folded.
Announced on October 21, 2026, by the Apache Helicopter Project Office, the validation fulfills the final transportability requirement outlined in the aircraft’s Capability Production Document (CPD). The milestone significantly expands the Army’s expeditionary logistics options by reducing reliance on specialized port infrastructure.
Expanding maritime logistics capabilities
Prior to this validation, maritime deployment of the Apache fleet often depended on Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) vessels or specialized dock facilities equipped with ramps capable of supporting towed aircraft. The new sling, engineered by industry partner ASRC Federal, allows the AH-64E to be hoisted using standard harbor and shipboard cranes.
This Lift-On/Lift-Off (LOLO) capability mitigates transit bottlenecks and lowers vessel charter costs by opening access to a wider range of global seaports. The U.S. Army stated that the ability to load and unload the aircraft with its main rotor blades folded is a major milestone for expeditionary mobility.
Prototype validation and next steps
The validation exercise took place at Fort Hood, Texas, overseen by the Apache Project Management Transportability Team based at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. During the testing, the team successfully demonstrated the safe hoisting of the AH-64E using the ASRC Federal prototype hardware.
Following the exercise, the test team identified minor adjustments required before full production. These modifications include the addition of protective padding to prevent the hoisting cable from contacting the main rotor blades during lifting operations. Once these adjustments are validated, ASRC Federal will manufacture and deliver five contracted production prototypes to the U.S. Army.
The AH-64E Apache global footprint
Manufactured by The Boeing Company, the AH-64 Apache has served as the primary attack helicopters for the U.S. Army since 1984. The AH-64E is the latest variant, featuring upgraded sensors, software, and weapons performance. The U.S. Army is currently modernizing its fleet to the AH-64E Version 6.5 standard while gradually retiring older AH-64D models.
The global Apache fleet consists of more than 1,280 aircraft operating across 19 defense forces. In March 2023, Boeing reported the U.S. Army fleet had surpassed 5 million total flight hours.
International demand for the platform remains active. On August 11, 2026, Boeing signed offset agreements with Polish industry partners to build a long-term sustainment infrastructure supporting Poland’s incoming fleet of 96 AH-64E helicopters.
AirPro News analysis
The shift from RORO dependency to LOLO capability represents a critical logistical upgrade for U.S. Army aviation. As military planners focus on distributed operations and expeditionary mobility, the ability to utilize commercial container ports and standard maritime cranes reduces reliance on specialized military sealift vessels. This transportability milestone ensures the AH-64E can be deployed more rapidly and flexibly in contested or infrastructure-limited theaters.
Photo Credit: United States Army – Courtesy
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