North Carolina Approves $743,000 in Taxpayer-Funded Grants to Bring Ukrainian Drone Manufacturer to Fayetteville

North Carolina officials have approved $743,000 in performance-based state and local incentives to attract Ukrainian drone manufacturer Skyeton to Fayetteville. The incentive package includes a $500,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund and matching $121,500 grants from Cumberland County and the City of Fayetteville, while the company plans to invest more than $3.1 million and create 162 jobs.

So far, Skyeton has operated production facilities in Ukraine, Germany, and Slovakia before selecting Fayetteville for its first manufacturing operation in the United States, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The company's U.S. headquarters is located in Las Vegas, while the new North Carolina site will serve as its flagship American manufacturing operation.

Skyeton manufactures defense and commercial drone systems and has accumulated more than 350,000 combat flight hours with its Raybird platform. Company officials said the Fayetteville operation will design, manufacture, test, distribute, and support the aircraft.

Chief Executive Officer Rigoberto "Quito" Sáez said the expansion is intended to strengthen America's defense industrial base while creating high-quality manufacturing jobs in the United States. He also credited North Carolina officials and the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation for helping bring the project to the state.

An average annual salary of $70,759 is expected for the new positions, exceeding Cumberland County's current average wage. State officials estimate the project will generate an annual payroll impact of more than $11 million once all 162 jobs are filled.

Governor Josh Stein said North Carolina's military workforce, transportation network, and advanced manufacturing sector helped secure the project over competing locations. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley added that continued investments in research, education, and industry partnerships are helping the state attract innovative aerospace and defense companies.

The grants awarded to Skyeton are performance-based, meaning the company must meet agreed-upon job creation and investment benchmarks before receiving incentive payments. Officials say the project strengthens Fayetteville's position as a growing hub for aerospace manufacturing and defense technology while expanding North Carolina's advanced manufacturing economy.