First Breach completes first flight of drone prototype and advances american-made manufacturing through Hellbender agreement. August 25, 2026 7:38 AM Gift Article First Breach completes first flight of proprietary drone prototype, with large scale production scaling expected to begin in Q2 2027. Targeting production of more than 2,500 drones per week, supported by advanced robotics, computer vision, and expanded manufacturing capacity. HAGERSTOWN, MD / ACCESS Newswire / August 25, 2026 / First Breach Inc. (NASDAQ:FBDT) ("First Breach" or the "Company"), an American-made defense technologies company focused on vertically integrated ammunition production and next-generation unmanned aerial systems, today announced the completion of the first flight of the drone prototype and provided an update on its strategic agreement with Hellbender, Inc. to support the development and domestic manufacturing of its proprietary drone platforms. "Successfully completing our first flight of our drone prototype marks an important step in expanding First Breach beyond ammunition and into American-made unmanned aerial systems," said Jeffrey Low, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of First Breach. "By owning the technology and manufacturing domestically, we are building a scalable platform to support the evolving needs of defense and government customers." The Company expects to complete the initial prototypes in Q4 2026 and begin scaling production in the second quarter of 2027, with a targeted production capacity of more than 2,500 drones per week as manufacturing operations expand. First Breach owns the drone platforms and their associated intellectual property and will control the manufacturing and commercialization, with Hellbender providing engineering, design, technical support, and component manufacturing. The agreement covers two Class 1 attritable drone platforms intended for cost-effective deployment in defense and security applications: a compact, close-quarters system and a longer-range system. Both platforms are being developed around common components designed to maximize supply chain efficiencies, support scalable assemblies, ensure consistent quality, enable adaptable mission configurations, and rapidly expand replicable domestic production. "With the first flight complete, our focus is on finishing the prototyping iterations, scaling the manufacturing infrastructure, and refining our automated production capabilities needed to begin scaling in the second quarter of 2027," said Jordan Low, Co-Founder, President and Chief Operating Officer of First Breach. "Hellbender's expertise supports that effort as we work toward our targeted production capacity." First Breach currently operates approximately 80,000 square feet of ammunition manufacturing space in its Hagerstown, Maryland facility, with more than 200,000 additional contiguous square feet designed to support drone production, robotic assembly, automated logistics, and expanded ammunition manufacturing. About First Breach First Breach Inc. is an ISO 9001:2015 certified, American-made defense technologies company focused on manufacturing match-grade ammunition components, finished ammunition, and developing next-generation unmanned aerial systems for commercial, law enforcement, and military markets. The Company manufactures its products in-house at its Hagerstown, Maryland facility, where it produces brass cups, casings, projectiles, lead cores, lead wire, and completed ammunition with rigorous quality control standards. First Breach is also advancing its drone strategy through the development of U.S.-made unmanned systems, leveraging advanced engineering, robotics, ISR and sensor technologies, and precision manufacturing capabilities to address evolving defense, homeland security, law enforcement, and commercial requirements across domestic and international markets. About Hellbender Hellbender, Inc. is a Pittsburgh-based engineering and advanced manufacturing company specializing in physical AI, computer vision, drones, robotics, electronics design, and automated manufacturing. Operating from approximately 90,000 square feet of facilities, the company provides integrated product development capabilities spanning engineering, prototyping, printed circuit board assembly, advanced sensor integration, robotic manufacturing, and production testing. More than 25% of Hellbender's workforce consists of military veterans, supporting its commitment to American manufacturing and technical innovation. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts and include statements regarding the Company's expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, strategies, future events, future performance, business prospects, growth initiatives, acquisitions, market opportunities, capital resources, operational objectives, and other statements that are predictive in nature. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "seek," "should," "target," "will," "would," and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, assumptions, and beliefs regarding future developments and their potential effect on the Company. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, changes in economic, business, market, competitive, regulatory, technological, legal, and geopolitical conditions; the Company's ability to execute its business strategy; the successful integration of acquisitions and strategic transactions; access to capital and financing; customer demand; industry developments; and other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update, revise, or publicly disclose any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances, or changes in expectations occurring after the date of this press release. Investor Relations Frank Pogubila Partner Integrous Communications Phone: 951.946.5288 Email: [email protected] Website: www.firstbreach.com For additional company updates, follow First Breach on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.

AI companies expand U.S. Footprints as Hellbender, UST Invest in new hqs, innovation hubs. Hellbender's new headquarters and manufacturing operations in Pittsburgh, and UST's new global headquarters in Southern California, highlight continued corporate investment in AI infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and technology talent. 07/30/2026 Two AI-focused companies are expanding their U.S. operations with major facility investments that underscore the industry's continued growth. Hellbender is doubling its Pittsburgh footprint with a new headquarters and manufacturing campus expected to create more than 500 jobs over the next five years, while UST has opened a new global headquarters in Aliso Viejo, California, designed to accelerate AI, engineering, and digital transformation initiatives for its workforce of more than 30,000 employees worldwide. Together, the projects reinforce the importance of innovation ecosystems, workforce availability, and purpose-built facilities in attracting AI investment and supporting long-term corporate expansion. Fast-growing startup Hellbender has moved its global headquarters to the Roundhouse at Hazelwood Green and will open expanded manufacturing operations at nearby Mill 19. The move is expected to create over 500 Pittsburgh-area jobs over the next five years as the company scales to meet the growing demand for the mission-critical Physical AI hardware and software. Together, the buildings will provide Hellbender with a 10-year lease at a nearly 90,000-square-foot campus, doubling the company's Pittsburgh footprint. The expansion positions Hellbender to become the only fully U.S.-owned and domestically manufactured Tier 1 supplier for Physical AI, while advancing Pittsburgh's national leadership in the sector. "Demand for solutions that power Physical AI is accelerating, and customers need partners that can move quickly from design to production," said Brian Beyer, co-founder and CEO of Hellbender. "Our new facilities give us the infrastructure to scale with that demand, and the opportunity to attract the industry's best talent and build critical AI infrastructure in the United States." The Richard King Mellon Foundation and Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC) of Southwestern PA are supporting Hellbender's expansion at Hazelwood Green. Hellbender is also seeking support for its manufacturing growth from Pennsylvania's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). "Hellbender is translating Pittsburgh's strengths in robotics and artificial intelligence into products made here, jobs created here and national economic leadership," said Sam Reiman, Director and Trustee of the Richard King Mellon Foundation. "Its expansion will strengthen a growing center for automation and advanced manufacturing while creating new opportunities for the people of Pittsburgh." Hellbender's team is already working from the Roundhouse. The company plans to use the building's open first-floor space to deepen relationships with early-stage companies in Pittsburgh and nationally that can benefit from Hellbender's design and prototyping capabilities, an extension of its mission as a benefit corporation to help emerging technologies reach the market. Nearby, Hellbender's approximately 60,000-square-foot Mill 19 manufacturing operation is expected to open in early 2027. The location places Hellbender at the center of Pittsburgh's advanced manufacturing and robotics ecosystem. Mill 19 is home to Carnegie Mellon University's (CMU) Manufacturing Futures Institute, the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute, and sits near CMU's Robotics Innovation Center and the University of Pittsburgh's BioForge biomanufacturing center. "Pittsburgh is quickly gaining a reputation as a national center for driving the development of artificial intelligence. Hellbender, which develops and manufactures components for physical AI, is the latest example," said RIDC President Donald F. Smith, Jr. "When RIDC first built Mill 19, our vision was to create a centerpiece of a vibrant new technology center. That is now coming to fruition, with Hellbender bringing manufacturing back to the historic Mill 19 - manufacturing critical components and systems for the entities driving our economy into the future - on a campus that includes prominent tech companies, along with university-affiliated research and innovation centers." The new facility will expand Hellbender's ability to produce integrated perception systems, edge-computing boards and related hardware and software that serve as the "eyes and brains" of robots, autonomous equipment and other intelligent machines. "We considered several potential sites, including Bakery Square, and we were grateful for the strong interest and support there. In the end, Hazelwood Green was the right fit for Hellbender's needs and long-term growth, giving the company a full campus with the space, infrastructure and ecosystem it needs to scale in Pittsburgh," said Beyer. The expansion is expected to create new Pittsburgh-area jobs across manufacturing, hardware engineering, product development, operations and other technical functions. While some positions will require advanced degrees and specialized experience, many will be accessible through technical training. In addition to Hellbender's own internal technician training programs, Hellbender plans to work with local workforce and community partners to create career pathways for residents of Hazelwood and surrounding communities. "A lot of people think you need an advanced degree to work in AI, but that is not the case," said Brett Phillips, Chief Revenue Officer of Hellbender. "Of course, we have incredible teammates from leading institutions, but we also like to say we're the only AI company hiring everyday yinzers. We're proud to carry forward Pittsburgh's tradition of making things by investing in people with technical aptitude, hands-on skills and a willingness to learn." UST opens new California global headquarters. In Aliso Viejo, California, UST has unveiled its new state-of-the-art global headquarters, establishing a strategic innovation hub that will accelerate the company's AI, engineering, and digital transformation capabilities for clients worldwide. The new office will serve as the global hub for more than 30,000 UST employees in more than 30 countries. The new office has been designed from the ground up to meet UST's emerging needs in an era defined by rapid growth, AI innovation, and an increasing global workforce. Flexible meeting spaces, collaborative work areas, and modern amenities create an open and engaging environment where employees and clients can work side by side to solve complex business challenges. The office is also home to the UST Experience Design Center (XDC), a first-of-its-kind facility that closes the gap between the immense promise of AI and its real-world application. The XDC is simultaneously a dynamic experience laboratory, a high-performance compute ecosystem, and an adaptive client experience zone that makes cutting-edge digital breakthroughs uniquely accessible to visitors. The XDC demonstrates UST's ability to move beyond concepts and pilots by giving clients a secure environment where they can experience, test, and validate AI-powered solutions prior to deployment. The company's new headquarters embodies core UST values by placing an emphasis on work-life balance for employees. Conveniently situated just a short distance from the Pacific Ocean and within walking distance of Aliso Viejo Town Center, the office boasts stunning views of southern Orange County and the picturesque Saddleback Mountain range. "The opening of our new global headquarters is a testament to the growth and ambition of UST. The new office will foster greater collaboration between teams located across the world and enhance our ability to deliver innovative digital solutions and utilize our deep industry expertise to achieve results for clients and partners," said Vijay Padmanabhan, Chief Financial Officer, UST. A member of the Group C team for more than three decades, Mary Ellen McCandless has played various roles at the company and currently serves as the Director of Digital Content. In this role, she writes, edits, and manages content for all of the company's brands: Facility Executive, Business Facilities, Turf, Continuity Insights, and Campus Resilience & Security. She earned a B.A. from Rutgers University and her M.A. from Monmouth University. When she's not working, Mary Ellen enjoys spending time with her husband of 30 years, her two children, and their dog. Her hobbies include painting, cooking, bird watching, and gardening. Skilled Trade Institute is helping connect local talent with high-demand careers while strengthening the workforce pipeline that powers Lubbock's growing economy. Virginia's Greater Richmond Region accelerates next-generation manufacturing with reliable, resilient energy infrastructure and a collaborative approach. From timeless design to purpose-driven growth, Arbor Eyewear proves Lubbock businesses can build products with global appeal while staying rooted in community. North Carolina Lands Aerospace, Advanced Manufacturing Expansions - Business Facilities Magazine Electra Will Invest $850M In Ohio Advanced Production Facility - Business Facilities Magazine Virginia Lands More Than $120M In Logistics Investments, 1,150 Jobs - Business Facilities Magazine Featured location. With a diverse economy built on industry-leading companies, thriving small businesses, high innovation rates, world-class infrastructure and a skilled, educated, and engaged workforce, there's room for everyone to thrive. Featured video. Move your business to the epicenter of global health and security. With 1 in 3 residents holding advanced degrees and direct proximity to the NIH and FDA, Montgomery County offers an unmatched strategic advantage for expansion.

Hellbender doubles Pittsburgh footprint to meet demand for Physical AI hardware and software. Fast-growing startup moves headquarters to Hazelwood Green and opens expanded manufacturing operations at Mill 19, creating over 500 local jobs Hellbender, a Physical AI infrastructure company powering intelligent systems at the edge, today announced it has moved its global headquarters to the Roundhouse at Hazelwood Green and will open expanded manufacturing operations at nearby Mill 19. The move is expected to create over 500 Pittsburgh-area jobs over the next five years as the company scales to meet the growing demand for the mission-critical hardware and software that power Physical AI. More headlines. Articles. Together, the buildings will provide Hellbender with a 10-year lease at a nearly 90,000-square-foot campus, doubling the company's Pittsburgh footprint. The expansion positions Hellbender to become the only fully U.S.-owned and domestically manufactured Tier 1 supplier for Physical AI, while advancing Pittsburgh's national leadership in the sector. "Demand for solutions that power Physical AI is accelerating, and customers need partners that can move quickly from design to production," said Brian Beyer, co-founder and CEO of Hellbender. "Our new facilities give us the infrastructure to scale with that demand, and the opportunity to attract the industry's best talent and build critical AI infrastructure in the United States." The Richard King Mellon Foundation and RIDC are supporting Hellbender's expansion at Hazelwood Green. Hellbender is also hopeful that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will support the manufacturing growth through RACP. "Hellbender is translating Pittsburgh's strengths in robotics and artificial intelligence into products made here, jobs created here and national economic leadership," said Sam Reiman, Director and Trustee of the Richard King Mellon Foundation. "Its expansion will strengthen a growing center for automation and advanced manufacturing while creating new opportunities for the people of Pittsburgh." Hellbender's team is already working from the Roundhouse, which now serves as its global headquarters. The company also plans to use the building's open first-floor space to deepen relationships with early-stage companies in Pittsburgh and nationally that can benefit from Hellbender's design and prototyping capabilities, an extension of its mission as a benefit corporation to help emerging technologies reach the market. The company occupies the restored industrial building in an area once used to test and stage some of Pittsburgh's earliest autonomous systems. For Beyer, the move marks a full-circle return to the building where he once worked on robotic programs with CMU's NREC. By establishing its headquarters there, Hellbender is connecting the city's pioneering role in autonomy with its next chapter as a center for the development and production of Physical AI technology. Located a short walk from the Roundhouse, Hellbender's approximately 60,000-square-foot Mill 19 manufacturing operation is expected to open in early 2027. The location places Hellbender at the center of Pittsburgh's advanced manufacturing and robotics ecosystem. Mill 19 is home to Carnegie Mellon University's (CMU) Manufacturing Futures Institute, the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute, and sits near CMU's Robotics Innovation Center and the University of Pittsburgh's BioForge biomanufacturing center. "Pittsburgh is quickly gaining a reputation as a national center for driving the development of artificial intelligence. Hellbender, which develops and manufactures components for physical AI, is the latest example," said RIDC President Donald F. Smith, Jr. "When RIDC first built Mill 19, our vision was to create a centerpiece of a vibrant new technology center. That is now coming to fruition, with Hellbender bringing manufacturing back to the historic Mill 19 - manufacturing critical components and systems for the entities driving our economy into the future - on a campus that includes prominent tech companies, along with university-affiliated research and innovation centers." The new facility will expand Hellbender's ability to produce integrated perception systems, edge-computing boards and related hardware and software that serve as the "eyes and brains" of robots, autonomous equipment and other intelligent machines. "We considered several potential sites, including Bakery Square, and we were grateful for the strong interest and support there. In the end, Hazelwood Green was the right fit for Hellbender's needs and long-term growth, giving the company a full campus with the space, infrastructure and ecosystem it needs to scale in Pittsburgh," added Beyer. The expansion is expected to create new Pittsburgh-area jobs across manufacturing, hardware engineering, product development, operations and other technical functions. While some positions will require advanced degrees and specialized experience, many will be accessible through technical training. In addition to Hellbender's own internal technician training programs, Hellbender plans to work with local workforce and community partners to create career pathways for residents of Hazelwood and surrounding communities. "A lot of people think you need an advanced degree to work in AI, but that is not the case," said Brett Phillips, Chief Revenue Officer of Hellbender. "Of course, we have incredible teammates from leading institutions, but we also like to say we're the only AI company hiring everyday yinzers. We're proud to carry forward Pittsburgh's tradition of making things by investing in people with technical aptitude, hands-on skills and a willingness to learn." As a partner in Almono Limited Partnership, which owns the Roundhouse, The Heinz Endowments welcomed Hellbender's arrival as the building's headquarters tenant. "Hellbender's decision to establish its headquarters at the Roundhouse reflects Hazelwood Green's vision for innovation-led growth that advances opportunity for the surrounding community and the broader region," said Chris DeCardy, President of The Heinz Endowments. "We are pleased to welcome the company and its employees to this historic building." The move comes on the heels of Hellbender's May $12.5 million seed round. That financing is supporting the rollout of the company's edge AI platforms and on-edge camera line, team growth and the continued scaling of its domestic manufacturing capabilities. The Roundhouse and Mill 19 expansion provides the physical capacity to carry that growth forward. About Hellbender Hellbender is the only Physical AI Tier 1 supplier in the United States, bringing edge-native AI, proprietary hardware, advanced engineering and domestic manufacturing under one roof to power intelligent systems at the edge. The company builds integrated perception platforms that enable machines to see, understand, and act in real time across complex, high-variance environments. Hellbender's platforms combine edge-native AI with proprietary, high-performance hardware to deliver production-ready intelligence for mission-critical industries, including energy, logistics, agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. By unifying advanced engineering, domestic manufacturing, and continuous improvement, Hellbender eliminates the fragmentation and latency of cloud-dependent architectures. All systems are designed and built in the United States, providing a secure, foundational layer for the next generation of autonomous and embedded systems. About Hazelwood Green Hazelwood Green is a 178-acre historic brownfield site less than a mile from Oakland along the Monongahela River headed by the Almono partnership (Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, and Richard King Mellon Foundation) along with master developer Tishman Speyer. Located on the site of the former LVT steel mill in Hazelwood, it is transforming into a mixed-use neighborhood seamlessly blending state-of-the-art offices and labs, multifamily residences, retail, and expansive public green spaces with free community programming. About RIDC The mission of the Regional Industrial Development Corporation of Southwestern PA is to catalyze and support economic growth and high-quality job creation through real estate development, policy advocacy, and finance of projects that advance the public interest. A not-for-profit entity, RIDC's nearly eight million square feet of property, in 15 industrial and innovation parks, is currently home to 124 companies that support over 9,000 jobs. More information is available at www.ridc.org.