Driven by growing global demand for advanced night vision capabilities, Elbit Systems of America is launching a major expansion of its Warfighter Systems facility in Roanoke County, Virginia. The company plans to invest approximately $30 million to enhance manufacturing space, add new machinery, and significantly grow its workforce.
This expansion, supported by about $4 million in combined state and county grants, is expected to create more than 250 new skilled jobs. The investment aims to boost the site’s total employment to over 1,000 people, strengthening the local economy and the national defense industrial base.
“The need for sophisticated night vision is increasing as militaries modernize,” said Erik Fox, Senior Vice President of the Warfighter Systems Division. “As a key manufacturer of image intensification tubes and complete systems, we must scale our operations to meet this demand and deliver next-generation technology to warfighters.”
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin highlighted the strategic importance of the project, noting it will increase production of the high-quality systems the military relies on while leveraging the state’s veteran workforce and business-friendly environment. Local officials, including Roanoke County Board Chair David Radford, emphasized the expansion as a validation of the region’s thriving business climate and strategic investments in infrastructure.
The Roanoke site has a legacy in night vision technology dating to the 1950s. Elbit America, which acquired the facility in 2019, continues this tradition by producing critical image intensification tubes and integrated night vision systems for the U.S. and allied militaries.
“We are committed to providing the overmatch capability that comes with superior night vision,” said Elbit America President & CEO Luke Savoie. “This expansion ensures we have the people and infrastructure to innovate and reliably produce the intuitive, mission-ready systems our customers depend on, now and in the future.”
