Platform Aerospace Breaks Ground on New Training Center of Excellence in Blackstone, Virginia

Blackstone, VA — [February 17, 2026] — Platform Aerospace marked a major milestone with the official groundbreaking of its new Training Center of Excellence.  The first phase is a hangar designed to elevate mission readiness and expand advanced training capabilities for Vanilla Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) pilots, instructors, and support teams.

This investment strengthens not only U.S. operational capacity, but also directly supports the growing integration of Platform Aerospace’s UK operations by reinforcing the defense partnership between the US and the UK and advancing the collective readiness of NATO allies. As advanced global defense technology evolves, this facility positions Vanilla UAS training at the center of a unified transatlantic effort to defend shared national and allied interests.

The ceremony brought together company leadership and members of the Blackstone team to celebrate the start of construction on what will become one of the most advanced UAS training hubs in the region. The Training Center of Excellence will serve as a critical link between U.S. and UK mission requirements, enabling Platform Aerospace to accelerate operator proficiency, strengthen allied integration, and contribute directly to NATO’s commitment to collective defense.

The Purpose Behind the Build

The Training Center of Excellence will feature a modern hangar and companion training facility engineered specifically to support the growing operational demands of the Vanilla UAS program. The design reflects Platform Aerospace’s commitment to delivering worldclass training environments that mirror real world mission conditions.

Key features of the facility include:

• A largescale hangar capable of supporting multiple Vanilla UAS aircraft simultaneously, enabling hands-on instruction, maintenance training, and mission preparation in a controlled, purpose-built environment.

• Expanded team capacity, allowing Platform Aerospace to train larger cohorts of pilots, instructors, and mission support personnel without compromising quality or safety.

• Integrated operations spaces designed to streamline coordination between training teams, engineering staff, and mission planners.

“This facility represents a major investment in the future of Vanilla UAS operations,” said Kurt Parsons, CEO of Platform Aerospace. “As demand for ultra-long endurance, long-range UAS platforms continue to grow, so does the need for expertly trained operators. The Training Center of Excellence will ensure our teams are prepared, proficient, and mission ready.”

Strengthening Mission Readiness and Workforce Development

The Training Center of Excellence is designed not only to support current training needs but also to scale with future program growth. Its expanded footprint and modern infrastructure will allow Platform Aerospace to:

• Increase throughput for pilot and instructor qualification

• Support more complex mission readiness exercises

• Host joint training events with government and industry partners

• Accelerate workforce development in the rapidly growing UAS sector

  
  

Located in Blackstone, Virginia, with a strong aviation and defense presence, the facility will also contribute to local economic growth through significant job creation, infrastructure investment, and long-term operational activity.

A Strategic Step Forward for Vanilla UAS

The Vanilla UAS platform is known for its exceptional endurance, reliability, and versatility across defense, commercial, and research missions. The new Training Center of Excellence ensures that the personnel operating these aircraft receive the highest level of instruction, reinforcing Platform Aerospace’s commitment to safety, innovation, and operational excellence.

About Platform Aerospace

Platform Aerospace is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) dedicated to supporting the warfighter by providing a groundbreaking ISR UAV that empowers warfighters with unmatched situational awareness and actionable intelligence. Through pioneering innovation, we redefine the standards of endurance to meet the ever-evolving needs of global security.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact info@platformaero.com or visit our website at https://platformaerospace.com/.