City receives seven bids for new Shield AI hangar

Lease payments structured to fund Shield AI hangar construction

City clarifies economic impact projections for Shield AI

Staff details drainage and environmental safeguards for drone site

Airport director addresses drone noise and flight logistics

FAA to oversee strict safety protocols for drone testing

City confirms no weapons testing for drones at local airport

Commission acknowledges moral objections to defense contractor

City receives seven bids for new Shield AI hangar

NEWTON, Kan. — The city received seven design-build proposals on Tuesday for a new hangar to accommodate Shield AI at the Newton City/County Airport. Public Works Director Ed Bonham announced that a review committee will evaluate the proposals and present a selection, along with a negotiated lease agreement, at the Nov. 24 city commission meeting. Shield AI currently leases Hangar J and an adjacent pad site for its experimental drone testing operations, but the city plans to construct the new facility to serve as a long-term, revenue-generating airport asset.

Lease payments structured to fund Shield AI hangar construction

NEWTON, Kan. — Assistant City Manager of Economic Development Rebecca Likiardopoulos detailed the financial structure for the proposed Shield AI hangar and its associated infrastructure. The hangar construction will be funded through 10- to 15-year bonds, which are structured so that the company's lease payments will cover the city's debt service. Meanwhile, the city will issue general obligation bonds to cover the costs of necessary water line and roadway improvements, which officials noted is standard practice for municipal property development.

City clarifies economic impact projections for Shield AI

NEWTON, Kan. — City Manager Daniela Rivas clarified discrepancies between the city's economic projections for the Shield AI project and a recent press release issued by the company. While a recent Shield AI press release touted the projected creation of 1,800 regional jobs by the early 2030s and a $5 billion economic impact, Rivas stated the city's operating figures anticipate 60 to 75 jobs and a $5 million to $6 million capital investment. The city has reached out to the defense technology company for clarification on the larger regional numbers, which Rivas emphasized did not originate from the local government.

Staff details drainage and environmental safeguards for drone site

NEWTON, Kan. — Public Works Director Ed Bonham outlined the environmental protocols for the Shield AI development, assuring residents that comprehensive drainage studies are being conducted for the hangar and adjacent infrastructure to prevent downstream flooding. The facility is expected to use standard aeronautical chemicals, such as Jet-A fuel and aircraft paint, which are subject to federal stormwater and safety data compliance. In the event of an accidental spill, the responsible party must utilize a city-approved mitigation contractor for immediate cleanup.

Airport director addresses drone noise and flight logistics

NEWTON, Kan. — Airport Director Brian Palmer addressed resident concerns regarding the noise and flight behavior of Shield AI's aircraft. Palmer explained the drone, which is roughly the size of a Lear 35 jet, will utilize vertical takeoff before transitioning to horizontal flight, significantly reducing the prolonged climb-out noise typical of conventional aircraft. He assured residents that the Federal Aviation Administration restricts aircraft to speeds below 250 knots when flying under 10,000 feet, preventing any possibility of sonic booms over residential areas.

FAA to oversee strict safety protocols for drone testing

NEWTON, Kan. — Shield AI's initial engine testing phases will remain strictly tethered to the ground under close observation by the Federal Aviation Administration. Airport Director Brian Palmer explained that the drone's propulsion system will be anchored to a crane and launch vehicle to ensure it cannot fly away if software issues arise. Once untethered flight is eventually approved, the aircraft will feature a flight termination system, allowing operators to safely end the flight if telemetry data indicates the drone is behaving abnormally.

City confirms no weapons testing for drones at local airport

NEWTON, Kan. — Responding to resident questions, Airport Director Brian Palmer confirmed that Shield AI will not test weapons on its drones at the Newton City/County Airport. Palmer stated that federal law strictly prohibits testing kinetic weapons outside of designated military facilities. The Newton site will be used exclusively to test the propulsion systems and flight capabilities of the experimental aircraft, with any military equipment added by end-users only after the aircraft is delivered.

Commission acknowledges moral objections to defense contractor

NEWTON, Kan. — City officials and commissioners acknowledged ongoing ethical and moral objections from residents regarding the presence of Shield AI, a defense contractor, in the community. During the public forum, residents cited safety concerns and religious opposition to supporting what one commenter described as a "weapons of war manufacturer." In response, commissioners defended the public review process, with one commissioner citing strong patriotic and Christian support for national defense, while noting that all community feedback remains a vital part of the commission's transparent deliberations.

Click here for local obituaries

Click here for local jail logs

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us