Leonardo DRS, Inc. opened a 140,000‑square‑foot naval power and propulsion manufacturing and testing complex in the Charleston, South Carolina region on January 23 2026. The new plant is designed to support U.S. Navy submarine and shipbuilding programs, including the Columbia‑class ballistic‑missile submarine, by providing advanced manufacturing, final assembly, integration, and testing space for large electric power and propulsion components.
The facility is a strategic “national asset” that expands domestic production capacity for electric propulsion and power‑generation systems. By adding this plant, Leonardo DRS can deliver scalable integrated power architectures at the scale and schedule required for next‑generation surface combatants and submarines, reinforcing its role as a key supplier for the Navy’s power‑intensive weapons, sensors, and high‑performance computing needs.
In addition to electric‑power work, the complex will support naval steam‑turbine system design, manufacturing, and testing, giving the company a broader portfolio of propulsion technologies that the Navy relies on for both legacy and future platforms.
Leonardo DRS invested approximately $120 million to build the facility, and the U.S. Navy Submarine Industrial Base contributed an additional $45 million to fund a 40,000‑sq‑ft expansion. The combined $165 million investment underscores the company’s commitment to strengthening the defense industrial base and ensuring reliable access to critical capabilities for the U.S. military.
Senior Vice President and General Manager Jon Miller said the new plant “is a national asset and represents our commitment to supporting the U.S. Navy’s efforts to increase production capacity across the submarine and shipbuilding industrial base.” President and CEO John Baylouny added that the investment “answers the call to strengthen and expand the defense industrial base, ensuring the U.S. military has reliable access to the critical capabilities it needs, when and where they are needed.”
The opening of the Charleston facility positions Leonardo DRS to meet the growing demand for advanced power systems that power the Navy’s next‑generation platforms. By expanding domestic manufacturing, the company can reduce lead times, improve supply‑chain resilience, and support the Navy’s strategic goal of maintaining a technological edge in submarine propulsion and power generation.
The content on EveryTicker is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.