GA-ASI Breaks Ground on New Hangar at El Mirage Airfield

Construction and ceremony

GA‑ASI held a formal groundbreaking on Jan. 14, 2026, at El Mirage Airfield. Company executives, local officials and contractor leadership attended. Speakers emphasized the project’s role in meeting rising demand for next‑generation remotely piloted aircraft and expanding production capacity.

“We continue to fill our order book for new MQ‑9Bs,” said GA‑ASI CEO Linden Blue, stressing that expanded facilities are necessary to build and test the aircraft.

Parkway Construction, led by CEO Ryan Elmer, is the lead contractor. San Bernardino County Supervisor Jesse Armendarez’s presence signaled local government interest in jobs and economic activity tied to the project (UASWeekly; MRO Business Today).

Project details and capabilities

GA‑ASI describes the new facility as a near‑85,000‑square‑foot hangar expanding the Desert Horizon Flight Operations footprint in Southern California’s high desert. The hangar is designed to host assembly lines, maintenance bays, testing areas and support infrastructure for MQ‑9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian variants (GA‑ASI).

Planned onsite capabilities include up to 12 Certifiable Ground Control Stations (CGCS), three aircraft launch pads and four new gate terminals to support flight operations (MRO Business Today; AviTrader).

Strategic context: demand and export customers

GA‑ASI framed the hangar as a response to growing international demand for the MQ‑9B SkyGuardian family. Recent orders and interest include partners such as the United Kingdom, Canada and Germany, with some purchases covering SeaGuardian variants. Executives say expanded capacity will help fulfill orders and reduce lead times (MRO Business Today).

The company notes a long record in unmanned aircraft systems, reporting more than 9 million flight hours across its Predator family, including MQ‑9A Reaper, MQ‑1C Gray Eagle, MQ‑20 Avenger and the MQ‑9B line (UASWeekly).

Regulatory filings and possible larger buildout

Public records include a CEQA filing titled Desert Horizons II proposing a larger industrial complex at El Mirage Airport Road. The filing lists a planned 118,020‑sq. ft. hangar, a 19,512‑sq. ft. ground control building and a 20,000‑sq. ft. stockroom, to be built under a Conditional Use Permit and Major Variance on an 800‑acre site (APNs: 0457‑041‑02, ‑03, ‑04).

Implication: the announced 85,000‑sq. ft. hangar could be Phase 1 of a broader expansion that may require additional environmental review, public hearings and local approvals (CEQAnet).

Local contractors and supply chain

Parkway Construction’s role links local construction capacity to the project and could create demand for regional subcontractors, trucking firms and suppliers. GA‑ASI and industry reports have not yet specified detailed job counts or hiring timelines; local officials noted potential economic benefits but offered few firm figures at the ceremony.

Questions and points for further review

• Timeline and hiring: GA‑ASI has not released a detailed hiring plan or construction schedule. Local workforce agencies will seek clarity on when jobs begin and required skills (GA‑ASI).
• Environmental review: Desert Horizons II may trigger additional environmental studies and public comment through CEQA (CEQAnet).
• Airspace and operations: Increased testing and more CGCS capacity could change traffic and noise patterns; FAA coordination will be required (MRO Business Today).
• Export controls and oversight: International customers and scaling production may raise questions about export licensing and operational basing (AviTrader).

Implications for The High Desert, California

Economic Impact

The hangar will likely bring construction activity, subcontracting work and future manufacturing and testing jobs to the High Desert. Local builders, trucking companies and suppliers can expect near‑term contracts tied to the Parkway Construction‑led project. If Desert Horizons II advances, the economic footprint could grow further, creating more long‑term technical positions and a larger supply chain (UASWeekly).

Political consequences

Supervisor Jesse Armendarez’s attendance signals county support for industrial growth and jobs. For conservative‑leaning voters, the project can be framed as private investment that boosts the tax base. The CEQA process and public hearings could become focal points for debates over land use and environmental protections (CEQAnet).

Social effects

New jobs and business may benefit communities, but residents may raise concerns about noise, traffic and changes to open space. Increased operations could mean more vehicle trips, shift work and demand for local services; workforce training and outreach will be important.

Cultural relevance

The High Desert’s values—independence, small business and local control—mean the project can be seen as an anchor for private‑sector growth and skilled trades. Simultaneously, residents who value open desert landscapes will expect stewardship and clear communication about environmental and quality‑of‑life impacts (GA‑ASI).

Practical applications for residents

• Jobs: Contractors and GA‑ASI will likely post construction and technical positions locally; watch county job boards and GA‑ASI listings (GA‑ASI).
• Traffic and noise: Expect increased construction traffic during the build phase and more airfield activity once testing ramps up; county transportation planners should provide updates (MRO Business Today).
• Public meetings: The CEQA process could include public comment periods; residents should monitor CEQAnet and county notices to participate (CEQAnet).

Sources

Reporting compiled from GA‑ASI and industry sources listed below:

• GA‑ASI press release: GA‑ASI Breaks Ground on a New Hangar in El Mirage
• UASWeekly: GA‑ASI breaks ground at El Mirage Flight Operations Facility
• MRO Business Today: GA‑ASI breaks ground on new MQ‑9B hangar
• AviTrader: General Atomics breaks ground on new MQ‑9B hangar
• CEQAnet filing (Desert Horizons II)

Reporting compiled from GA‑ASI and industry sources listed above.