Seyfarth Advises Shield AI on Acquisition of X-BAT Aerospace Manufacturing Facility

October 19, 2026 – Seyfarth Shaw LLP represented defense technology company Shield AI in its acquisition of a 420,000-square-foot aerospace manufacturing facility in Des Moines, Washington. The facility will serve as the production home for Shield AI’s X-BAT autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft.

Known as X-Forge 3, the manufacturing site at Des Moines Creek Business Park West represents a significant expansion of the company's production capabilities and investment in the US aerospace and defense industrial base. Operations are expected to begin in spring 2027, with the facility initially employing hundreds of workers.

"This acquisition marks an important milestone in Shield AI's continued growth,” said Denice Tokunaga, Seyfarth’s lead attorney on the transaction. "We are proud to have helped the company secure a strategically important facility that will strengthen its US manufacturing capabilities and support its long-term mission."

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