New partnership aims to scale production of hydrogen-powered drones and strengthen the U.S. defense supply chain
A Strategic Push for U.S. Manufacturing Strength
Mach Industries, a defense technology company based in Huntington Beach, California, has announced a new partnership with HevenDrones, a leading developer of hydrogen-powered drones. The companies aim to expand U.S.-based manufacturing of advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS) through Mach’s Forge network.
The partnership will begin with production of three HevenDrones platforms—H100, H2D55, and Raider—at Mach’s flagship facility, Forge Huntington. The companies also plan to co-develop key drone components, including avionics, radios, fuel sources, and propulsion systems.
The agreement is a response to growing demand for advanced drone systems and a broader push to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly from China.
“We’re not just accelerating production, we’re creating the next generation of defense manufacturing,” said Ethan Thornton, CEO and founder of Mach Industries. “With HevenDrones as our global partner, together we play a key role in empowering the defense sector with advanced, high-performance drones, strengthening domestic manufacturing infrastructure to keep our military safe and at the forefront of technology.”
Forge Network to Play Central Role
The Forge network, Mach’s survivable and scalable manufacturing model, is designed to support fast, flexible production of defense technologies. By integrating HevenDrones’ systems into Forge, the companies are creating a vertically integrated supply chain built for speed and resilience.
“Our customers urgently need thousands, and eventually tens of thousands, of drones to be deployed in-theater,” said Bentzion Levinson, CEO of HevenDrones. “Our goal is to provide quick-turn, full-scale American manufacturing of the most versatile, reliable, and powerful platforms available to the warfighter.”
Forge Huntington will be the first of several sites expected to fulfill large-scale drone orders. Mach’s decentralized approach allows it to adjust quickly to changing operational needs. This is a significant advantage in today’s fast-moving defense environment.
A Broader Vision for Domestic and Global Supply Chains
The partnership has goals beyond the U.S. domestic market. Forge will be expanded internationally, allowing allied countries to maintain their own production capacity for critical drone technologies. This supports national sovereignty and helps build a stronger global defense ecosystem.
By bringing production closer to home, the companies aim to make the U.S. and its allies less reliant on overseas suppliers. The collaboration also highlights the growing importance of drones in modern warfare and the need for a dependable industrial base.
Mach Industries will benefit from HevenDrones’ drone-specific technologies, while Heven gains access to a fast, vertically integrated manufacturing system. Together, they offer an alternative to the dominance of Chinese drone makers in the global market.
About the Companies
Mach Industries was founded in 2023 and focuses on advanced defense manufacturing. The company uses a vertically integrated model to speed up innovation and secure U.S. defense advantages. Backed by top venture firms, Mach specializes in lethal systems designed to deter conflict and protect global security.
HevenDrones, founded in 2019 and based in Miami, Florida, builds hydrogen-powered drones for defense applications. Its systems are known for endurance, modularity, and mission flexibility. Heven’s drones are designed to meet the needs of modern military operations with rapid production and deployment in mind.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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