Red Cat (US:RCAT) Globenewswire·2025-09-09 13:42Core Insights - Red Cat Holdings, Inc. is expanding its maritime division, Blue Ops, Inc., with new manufacturing facilities in Maine and Georgia to enhance U.S.-based maritime defense innovation and production capabilities [1][3]. Manufacturing and Facility Expansion - Blue Ops has partnered with Hodgdon Shipbuilding to produce the first five uncrewed surface vessel (USV) prototypes in Maine, which will also serve as a research and development site for further iterations of USV platforms [2]. - A new 155,000-square-foot manufacturing facility has been leased in Valdosta, Georgia, aimed at scaling full-rate manufacturing of USVs, creating hundreds of skilled jobs, and strengthening Georgia's role in the defense industrial base [3][5]. - The company will establish a headquarters and customer showroom in West Palm Beach, Florida, to enhance operations and customer engagement [3][9]. Strategic Goals and Innovation - Blue Ops is focused on developing a scalable, modular USV weapons system to meet the operational needs of U.S. and allied forces, with a domestic pipeline starting in Maine and scaling production in Georgia [4]. - The Georgia facility is strategically located near Moody Air Force Base, providing access to a defense-ready workforce and essential logistics for local economic development [5]. Legacy and Expertise - Hodgdon Shipbuilding, the oldest continuously operating boatbuilder in the U.S., is constructing the first Blue Ops 7-meter USV prototype, leveraging over 200 years of experience in military and commercial maritime boatbuilding [6][8]. - The partnership with Hodgdon Shipbuilding enhances leadership continuity within Blue Ops, as key members have prior experience with Hodgdon, fostering strategic alignment [8].