Israeli aerospace and defense company to expand U.S. headquarters in Fairfax

Israel’s largest aerospace and defense company will expand its North American headquarters in Fairfax County, creating 50 jobs, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Wednesday.

The North America headquarters for Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) has moved from Rosslyn to a newly remodeled 30,000-square-foot facility in the Dulles Technology Corridor in Herndon, said Luis G. Otero, IAI North America Chief of Staff. IAI's U.S. business accounts for $800 million in the company's annual revenue.

The Dulles headquarters location will host more than 200 employees.

With more than 15,000 workers worldwide, IAI has provided advanced technology solutions to government and commercial customers worldwide since 1953. Its products include air defense systems, satellites, missiles, weapons systems and munitions, unmanned systems, robotic systems, electronics and navigation systems. IAI employs approximately 15,000 workers, with over 200 in its U.S. subsidiary.

“Fairfax County has long been a location of choice for major aviation and aerospace companies,” Victor Hoskins, president and CEO of Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, said in a statement. “The announcement also illustrates the value of a Fairfax County location — close to Dulles Airport, as well as a strong and diversified business base — for international companies that want to be close to our nation’s capital.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority to secure the project for Virginia, and the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP) will fund and support employee training activities.

“As the largest aerospace and defense manufacturer in Israel, IAI’s decision to expand its headquarters here reinforces that Virginia is a prime location for global companies seeking growth in North American markets,” Northam said in a statement. “The commonwealth is home to more than 780 internationally-owned businesses and continues to attract technology and innovation leaders like IAI.”