Thunderstrike Aviation is making HCA Airport the centre of its European drone production. With the opening of a brand new drone factory, HCA Airport’s already strong drone ecosystem is gaining both jobs and innovative power.
The American drone company has now officially inaugurated its new next generation drone factory at HCA Airport. This is a milestone not only for Thunderstrike Aviation, but also for HCA Airport and UAS Denmark Test Center, which are cementing their joint position as one of Europe’s strongest hubs for drone development.
The new factory will not only enhance production capacity and drive innovation on Funen; over time, as it scales to produce up to 500 large surveillance drones annually, it will also contribute to new jobs and strengthen the region’s industrial base.
“The establishment of Thunderstrike’s factory is a major boost for HCA Airport and underlines that, with our combination of unique airspace, a growing ecosystem and a reputation as a solution-oriented partner, we can offer players in the drone industry a truly excellent framework for further growth and development,” says Hans Okholm Vejrup, CEO of HCA Airport.
“At the same time, it is a seal of approval for the many years of visionary work that has gone into incorporating drones into the strategic development of HCA Airport, so that we – on top of UAS Denmark Test Center – can now offer a drone ecosystem that encompasses both development, testing and now drone manufacturing,” he further adds.
Prominent guests cut the ribbon
The official opening on 22 August was marked by a ceremony at the airport attended by a number of prominent guests, including HRH Prince Joachim, Danish Minister for Business Morten Bødskov, Odense Mayor Peter Rahbæk Juel, North Funen Mayor Mette Landtved-Holm, Member of Parliament Trine Bramsen, and Thunderstrike founder and CEO David Schmidt.
Thunderstrike has already made its mark at HCA Airport with a hangar for development and testing, which was inaugurated last year. With the new factory, the company is now cementing its commitment to Funen and Denmark.
The establishment of Thunderstrike’s factory comes in the wake of the Danish Defence’s decision earlier this year to establish a national drone centre at HCA Airport – an investment worth hundreds of millions of Danish kroner, which is expected to create around 100 jobs.