Charleston, South Carolina, January 24, 2026
The Leonardo DRS Advanced Naval Power and Propulsion Facility has officially opened in Charleston, South Carolina. This state-of-the-art facility will enhance national defense capabilities while bolstering the local economy by creating high-skilled job opportunities in advanced manufacturing. The investment, alongside a commitment from the U.S. Navy, underlines Charleston’s crucial role in supporting naval programs, particularly those aimed at modernizing submarine technologies.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston Powers Up: Leonardo DRS Invests in Naval Future
A new state-of-the-art facility is set to bolster national defense and catalyze economic growth across the Lowcountry.
The recent official opening of the Leonardo DRS Advanced Naval Power and Propulsion Facility in Charleston marks a significant milestone for the region’s economy and national security. This development is a testament to how strategic private sector investment and a receptive local environment can converge to drive substantial economic growth and create high-value opportunities within the “Charleston SC business” landscape. Such initiatives underscore the determination of enterprises committed to supporting vital national interests while simultaneously enriching local communities.
Charleston’s long-standing connection to the military and its burgeoning economic dynamism continue to attract innovative companies. The expansion of advanced manufacturing capabilities, like those brought by Leonardo DRS, exemplifies how a focus on critical infrastructure and a skilled workforce can foster a climate ripe for “Lowcountry economic growth.” This new facility reinforces Charleston’s role as a pivotal hub for defense innovation and economic development.
A Strategic Investment in National Security
Leonardo DRS has officially opened its new, state-of-the-art 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. Its primary purpose is to support U.S. Navy submarine and shipbuilding programs, including the critical Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program.
The purpose-built facility offers advanced manufacturing, final assembly, integration, and testing capabilities specifically for large components of Leonardo DRS’s naval electric power and propulsion systems. It also supports naval steam turbine system design, manufacturing, and testing. This multi-purpose site is designed to boost production scale, streamline processes, and enable faster responses to evolving requirements for next-generation surface combatants and submarines, thereby deepening Leonardo DRS’s role in critical U.S. defense supply chains.
The company committed to a $120 million ground lease in Charleston in 2024 to develop this dedicated facility for manufacturing naval propulsion systems for the U.S. Navy. Furthermore, Leonardo DRS received a $45 million investment commitment from the U.S. Navy Submarine Industrial Base (SIB) through contracts with HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding. This investment is expected to facilitate a 40,000 square-foot expansion of the facility, supporting capabilities essential for current and future U.S. Navy nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers. This strategic investment is considered a national asset and underscores the commitment to supporting the U.S. Navy’s efforts to increase production capacity across the submarine and shipbuilding industrial base.
Fueling Local Economy and Skilled Workforce
The establishment of the Leonardo DRS facility is anticipated to bring significant opportunities for “Charleston County economy” and contribute to “Lowcountry economic growth.” The nature of the work, involving complex propulsion systems for nuclear submarines, requires highly skilled labor. This demand creates a pipeline for high-quality, skilled talent in areas such as assembling, testing, and design, offering substantial career opportunities for individuals within the Charleston area and across South Carolina.
Charleston’s existing workforce and educational infrastructure are well-positioned to support these advanced manufacturing needs. The presence of such a facility further strengthens the ecosystem for “Charleston small business” by creating a demand for supporting services and ancillary industries. Charleston County Economic Development acknowledged the region’s robust defense sector by launching a “Year of Defense” initiative in 2026, aligning with and recognizing the collective impact of such investments on the local business community.
Charleston’s Enduring Role in Naval Preparedness
Charleston’s history is deeply intertwined with its military presence, a connection that dates back to 1670. The region continues to play a vital role in national defense, hosting Joint Base Charleston, one of twelve joint facilities operated by the Department of Defense, as well as the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) and numerous other U.S. Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security agencies. The military’s presence in Charleston has an annual economic impact of $12.7 billion and accounts for over 25,000 active duty, civilian, and contract personnel.
This well-established military infrastructure provides a natural synergy for operations like the new Leonardo DRS facility. Furthermore, the area is home to the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command (NNPTC) and the Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU) in Goose Creek, South Carolina. These institutions are critical for training enlisted sailors, officers, and civilians in the operation and maintenance of shipboard nuclear power plants for the U.S. nuclear navy. The consistent output of highly trained personnel from these commands creates a ready and capable workforce, essential for advanced defense manufacturing.
Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing for the Fleet
The Charleston facility is designed to support the U.S. Navy as it fields more power-intensive weapons, sensors, and computing systems. Scalable integrated power architectures are essential for mission success in these modern naval platforms. Leonardo DRS’s capabilities enable the delivery of these architectures at scale and with the schedule reliability required for next-generation surface combatants and submarines. The company’s technologies support advanced sensors, directed-energy systems, high-performance computing, and propulsion systems across various naval platforms.
This commitment to advanced manufacturing and technological innovation underscores the spirit of American enterprise in addressing complex national security challenges. By continually investing in research, development, and expansion, companies like Leonardo DRS contribute to maintaining the nation’s technological edge and ensuring the U.S. military has reliable access to the critical capabilities it needs, when and where they are required.
The opening of the Leonardo DRS Advanced Naval Power and Propulsion Facility in Charleston represents a significant advancement for both local economic prosperity and national defense. It highlights the positive outcomes that emerge when private sector innovation, substantial investment, and a supportive community converge to address strategic national needs. This endeavor not only strengthens the nation’s defense industrial base but also cultivates new opportunities for job creation and sustained “Lowcountry economic growth.” Residents and businesses alike can observe how Charleston continues to solidify its position as a center for defense technology and economic vitality.
We encourage our readers to stay engaged in the ongoing economic developments shaping Charleston’s future and to support the businesses and institutions that contribute to our community’s strength and resilience.
Key Features of the Leonardo DRS Advanced Naval Power and Propulsion Facility
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Charleston, South Carolina region (Goose Creek, SC) |
| Facility Size | Over 140,000 square feet |
| Primary Function | Manufacturing, testing, assembly, and integration of advanced naval power and propulsion systems |
| Key Programs Supported | U.S. Navy submarine and shipbuilding programs, including the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program |
| Investment by Leonardo DRS | $120 million ground lease in 2024 |
| U.S. Navy Investment | $45 million from the Submarine Industrial Base (SIB) for a 40,000 sq ft expansion |
| Workforce Impact | Creates opportunities for highly skilled labor in complex technical fields |
| Strategic Importance | Considered a national asset, strengthening the defense industrial base and supporting U.S. national security |