Roanoke County Approves Incentives for Elbit Expansion

Local officials hope the deal will boost economic development in the region.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:21am

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A highly polished, metallic model of a satellite or aerospace component floating against a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the innovative technology driving Elbit Systems' growth in the region.A symbolic representation of the advanced aerospace and defense technology that is fueling Elbit Systems' expansion in Roanoke County.Roanoke Today

The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors has approved a series of incentive agreements to support the expansion of Elbit Systems, an aerospace and defense technology company, in the area. The move is seen as a positive step for economic development in the Roanoke Valley.

Why it matters

Elbit's expansion represents a significant investment and job creation opportunity for Roanoke County. The incentive package is intended to help attract and retain high-skilled jobs in the defense and technology sectors, which are important drivers of the local economy.

The details

Under the agreements, Roanoke County will provide Elbit with various tax credits and incentives in exchange for the company's commitment to create at least 100 new full-time jobs over the next five years. The incentives are designed to offset Elbit's costs as it expands its existing facilities and operations in the region.

  • The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors approved the incentive agreements on April 8, 2026.

The players

Roanoke County Board of Supervisors

The governing body of Roanoke County, Virginia, responsible for approving the incentive agreements with Elbit Systems.

Elbit Systems

An aerospace and defense technology company that is expanding its operations in Roanoke County, Virginia.

Phil North

The Hollins Magisterial District representative on the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, who expressed optimism about the economic development potential of Elbit's expansion.

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What they’re saying

“And for those naysayers in the Roanoke Valley that say we don't have economic development, I hope they're listening and they see this.”

— Phil North, Hollins Magisterial District representative, Roanoke County Board of Supervisors

What’s next

The incentive agreements will now go into effect, with Elbit Systems expected to begin its expansion project in the coming months.

The takeaway

The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors' approval of incentives for Elbit Systems' expansion demonstrates the local government's commitment to attracting and retaining high-quality jobs in the region's defense and technology sectors, which are crucial to the area's economic growth.