Charleston, South Carolina, January 23, 2026
The opening of Leonardo DRS’s new naval power and propulsion facility in Charleston marks a significant milestone for local economic growth, creating 58 new jobs and enhancing the U.S. military’s capabilities in naval defense. This advanced manufacturing hub, spanning over 140,000 square feet, represents a $120 million investment and is strategically positioned to support vital U.S. Navy programs, including the Columbia-class submarine initiative. Collaborative local and state efforts have fostered a favorable environment for such critical developments, solidifying Charleston’s reputation as a leader in advanced manufacturing.
Charleston, South Carolina
Naval Powerhouse Grows: Leonardo DRS Boosts Charleston’s Economy
Charleston’s thriving economic landscape welcomes a significant new development with the official opening of Leonardo DRS’s advanced naval power and propulsion facility, a testament to private sector investment and technological innovation driving local and national prosperity. This new hub for advanced manufacturing is poised to create valuable job opportunities and solidify the region’s role in supporting critical national defense initiatives.
The establishment of such a sophisticated operation underscores the favorable environment for business growth in the Lowcountry, highlighting how strategic private investments can synergize with a skilled workforce and a supportive community to generate substantial economic benefits. This venture reflects the spirit of entrepreneurial determination that continues to define Charleston SC business, demonstrating how companies, when empowered, can contribute profoundly to the local and national economy through cutting-edge development and job creation.
Advanced Manufacturing Takes Root in the Lowcountry
Leonardo DRS has officially opened its new naval power and propulsion manufacturing and testing facility in the Charleston, South Carolina region. The facility spans more than 140,000 square feet and represents a substantial investment designed to expand domestic production capacity. This purpose-built center provides advanced manufacturing, final assembly, integration, and testing space, specifically dedicated to large components for Leonardo DRS’s naval electric power and propulsion systems. The company’s approximate net investment in this project totals $120 million.
Fortifying National Defense and Expanding Capabilities
A core function of the new facility is to support U.S. Navy submarine and shipbuilding programs, including the critical Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program. It is set to play a pivotal role in building and testing propulsion systems for new nuclear-powered submarines. In addition to electric propulsion and power generation systems, the site supports naval steam turbine system design, manufacturing, and testing capabilities. This expansion enhances the ability to deliver scalable integrated power architectures, essential for next-generation surface combatants and submarines. By modernizing manufacturing infrastructure, this investment helps ensure the U.S. military has access to necessary critical capabilities.
Economic Growth and Job Creation in Charleston County
The Leonardo DRS facility, located at 1588 Bushy Park Road in Goose Creek within Berkeley County, is projected to create 58 new jobs. These positions contribute to the broader Charleston County economy, bringing opportunities in advanced technology and manufacturing. Leonardo DRS actively seeks critical thinkers, problem solvers, and innovative leaders, including engineers and production specialists, to join its team. This focus on high-skill employment underscores the commitment to developing a robust local workforce.
The defense industry is a significant contributor to South Carolina’s economy. In Fiscal Year 2023, the state received $6.5 billion in defense spending, encompassing direct funding for Department of Defense personnel salaries, defense contracts, and military facility construction. This spending generates considerable economic activity and attracts related industries and investments. South Carolina’s aerospace sector, which includes elements of defense manufacturing, has experienced substantial growth, with employment increasing by over 21 percent between 2018 and 2024, surpassing the national average. This sector alone contributes an estimated $38.3 billion annually to the state’s economy and supports 143,581 jobs, offering wages significantly above the state average.
Collaborative Foundations for Lowcountry Economic Growth
The successful establishment of the Leonardo DRS facility is a result of collaborative efforts involving state and local governments, regional economic organizations, and private sector entities. Such partnerships are vital in fostering an environment where South Carolina entrepreneurs and established businesses can thrive, ensuring that infrastructural developments align with regional strategic goals. This integrated approach helps in building a network of regional business partners, universities, and other organizations that will work closely with Leonardo DRS, further amplifying the positive economic ripple effect.
The ongoing commitment to expanding the defense industrial base and supporting U.S. Navy efforts aligns with Charleston’s long-standing connection to maritime industries and military support. This facility enhances Charleston’s reputation as a center for advanced manufacturing and strategic defense capabilities, attracting further investment and talent to the area.
A Future Fueled by Innovation
The official opening of Leonardo DRS’s advanced naval power and propulsion facility marks a pivotal moment for Charleston small business and the broader regional economy. It stands as a testament to the power of private investment and innovative leadership in creating sustainable economic opportunities and reinforcing national security. As operations come online by 2026, the facility is poised to contribute significantly to advanced manufacturing capabilities, job creation, and the continued prosperity of the Lowcountry. Charleston’s future continues to be shaped by such forward-thinking ventures, solidifying its place as a dynamic economic hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the new Leonardo DRS facility in Charleston?
- The purpose-built facility provides advanced manufacturing, final assembly, integration, and testing space dedicated to large components for Leonardo DRS’s naval electric power and propulsion systems.
- Where exactly is the Leonardo DRS facility located?
- The Leonardo DRS Naval Power and Propulsion facility is located in the Charleston, South Carolina region, specifically at 1588 Bushy Park Road in Goose Creek, Berkeley County.
- How large is the new Leonardo DRS facility?
- The facility spans more than 140,000 square feet.
- What is the investment amount for the Leonardo DRS facility?
- The approximate net investment by Leonardo DRS for this facility is $120 million.
- How many jobs is the new facility expected to create?
- The facility is expected to create 58 new jobs.
- What specific U.S. Navy programs will the facility support?
- The facility will support U.S. Navy submarine and shipbuilding programs, including systems for the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program.
Key Features of the Leonardo DRS Charleston Facility
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Charleston, South Carolina region (Goose Creek, Berkeley County) | Local |
| Size | More than 140,000 square feet | Local |
| Investment | Approximate net investment of $120 million | Local |
| Primary Function | Advanced manufacturing, final assembly, integration, and testing of naval electric power and propulsion systems | Nationwide |
| Key Program Support | U.S. Navy submarine and shipbuilding programs, including Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program | Nationwide |
| Job Creation | Expected to create 58 new jobs | Local |
| Additional Capabilities | Naval steam turbine system design, manufacturing, and testing; scalable integrated power architectures for next-generation surface combatants and submarines | Nationwide |
| Operations Online Target | 2026 | Local |
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