Reeves celebrates Aurora Flight Sciences expansion in Columbus

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said in a Facebook post that the state cut the ribbon on Aurora Flight Sciences’ expanded 170,000-square-foot facility in Columbus, calling it “a great day for Mississippi’s aerospace industry and America’s national defense.”

Reeves said the facility will support aircraft including the MQ-25A Stingray, military helicopters and spacecraft. In his post, he credited the investment to companies like Aurora and The Boeing Company, saying they “don’t invest more capital or create more jobs unless a state and its people can get the job done.”

Aurora Flight Sciences is an aerospace company that works on advanced aircraft and related technologies. The Boeing Company is a major U.S. aerospace manufacturer. Expansions by firms of this scale typically signal increased industrial capacity and can lead to additional local economic activity related to manufacturing, maintenance and supply chains.

The post did not include further details about job numbers or a timeline for expanded operations. We will provide more information as it becomes available.