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Technology › Startups

Wing to Invest Up to $125 Million in U.S. Drone Manufacturing for Delivery Expansion

Alphabet-owned Wing plans to inject significant capital into American drone production, aiming to bolster its delivery network and create local jobs.

AI IMAGEAI-generated illustration by Studio z-image. Not a photograph of the event.

In a move set to reshape the landscape of American drone manufacturing, Wing, the delivery service subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., has announced intentions to invest up to $125 million in U.S. drone production. This strategic financial injection is aimed at supporting the creation of a new 15,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Fort Worth, Texas, which is expected to produce tens of thousands of drones annually and generate up to 100 new jobs 2.

The decision comes at a time when the United States is increasingly focused on bolstering its domestic manufacturing capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. This trend is particularly evident in the burgeoning drone industry, where companies like Wing are leading the charge towards self-sufficiency and innovation 2.

Wing’s ambitious plans align closely with its goal to expand its delivery operations to nearly 20 U.S. markets, potentially reaching over 40 million Americans by 2027. Already, the company has completed over one million home deliveries in the U.S. in 2026, showcasing its robust operational capacity and market reach 2.

This investment also complements the ongoing partnership between Zipline and Walmart, who together aim to add 300 new drone delivery sites in the U.S. Since their collaboration began in 2021, the duo has maintained 21 active drone delivery sites, with Zipline’s share of delivery revenue increasing significantly from 10.8% to 34.9% between March and October 1.

Zipline, a high-flying startup valued at $21.5 billion and having raised $1.5 billion in funding, is poised to play a pivotal role in this expansion. With its recent Part 135 air carrier certification from the FAA in 2022, Zipline is well-positioned to continue delivering a wide range of products in five African countries, several U.S. cities, and even Japan 1.

The new manufacturing facility in Fort Worth will not only enhance Wing’s production capabilities but also contribute to the broader ecosystem of drone delivery services. As the FAA considers proposals such as the Part 108 rule, which would allow for broader routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations, the stage is set for further growth and innovation in the sector 2.

Together, these developments underscore a dynamic period for drone delivery services in the U.S., characterized by substantial investments, expanding partnerships, and a focus on domestic manufacturing. As Wing and Zipline continue to forge ahead, they are likely to shape the future of how goods are delivered to American homes and businesses.

What we know

  • - Wing plans to invest up to $125 million in U.S. drone manufacturing 2
  • - A new 15,000-square-foot facility in Fort Worth, Texas, will be created 2
  • - The facility will produce tens of thousands of drones annually and create up to 100 jobs 2
  • - Zipline and Walmart plan to add 300 new drone delivery sites in the U.S. 1
  • - Zipline has a valuation of $21.5 billion and has raised $1.5 billion in funding 1
  • - Zipline and Walmart have been partners since 2021 and currently maintain 21 active drone delivery sites 1

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Trust Score report

69%
Likely accurate
Probability of truth, weighted across 21 claims from 2 outlets. Each claim is scored by how many independent, reliable newsrooms support or contradict it. Method
  • likely
    Zipline has a valuation of $21.5 billion.
    71% · supported by 1
  • likely
    Zipline has raised $1.5 billion in funding.
    71% · supported by 1
  • likely
    Walmart and Zipline plan to add 300 new drone delivery sites in the US.
    71% · supported by 1
  • likely
    Wing, owned by Alphabet, plans to invest up to $125 million in U.S. drone manufacturing.
    67% · supported by 1
  • likely
    Zipline and Walmart have been partners since 2021.
    71% · supported by 1
  • likely
    There are currently 21 active drone delivery sites between Zipline and Walmart.
    71% · supported by 1
  • likely
    Zipline's funding round was led by Paradigm, WCM Investment Management, and Layer Global.
    71% · supported by 1
  • likely
    Zipline plans to expand its U.S. manufacturing facilities and hire more workers.
    71% · supported by 1
  • likely
    Zipline was founded in 2014 and initially operated in Africa.
    71% · supported by 1
  • likely
    Zipline received Part 135 air carrier certification from the FAA in 2022.
    71% · supported by 1
  • likely
    Zipline delivers various products in five African countries, several US cities, and Japan.
    71% · supported by 1
  • likely
    Zipline's share of delivery revenue increased from 10.8% to 34.9% between March and October.
    71% · supported by 1
  • likely
    The investment will support a new 15,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Fort Worth, Texas.
    67% · supported by 1
  • likely
    This facility will be capable of producing tens of thousands of drones annually.
    67% · supported by 1
  • likely
    Up to 100 manufacturing jobs will be created at the new facility.
    67% · supported by 1
  • likely
    Wing aims to expand its delivery operations to nearly 20 U.S. markets, reaching over 40 million Americans by 2027.
    67% · supported by 1
  • likely
    Wing has completed over one million home deliveries in the U.S. in 2026.
    67% · supported by 1
  • likely
    Wing received a Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate from the FAA in 2019.
    67% · supported by 1
  • likely
    The U.S. is focusing on strengthening domestic drone manufacturing and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
    67% · supported by 1
  • likely
    The FAA's proposed Part 108 rule would allow for broader routine BVLOS drone operations.
    67% · supported by 1
  • likely
    Wing's expansion reflects growing investment in drone delivery infrastructure.
    67% · supported by 1

Sources & references

  1. TechCrunch Startups — Zipline hits $21.5B valuation as Walmart expands bet on drone delivery · 2026-11-05
  2. DroneLife — Wing to Invest Up to $125 Million in U.S. Drone Manufacturing to Support Delivery Expansion · 2026-11-06

This article is an original synthesis written by Jessi. It does not reproduce the text of the outlets above; it cross-references their reporting and links to them so you can read the originals.

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