Fayetteville residents press Swarm Aero at tense town hall over drone development
By Lakyra Banks
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FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas (KHBS, KHOG) — A heated town hall at the Fayetteville Public Library stretched late into Wednesday night as residents demanded answers from defense drone company Swarm Aero over its operations and future in the city.
For nearly three hours, community members questioned company leaders about artificial intelligence, transparency and whether Fayetteville could become a hub for military technology. The meeting was expected to continue well past 11 p.m.
The often-contentious gathering featured boos, applause and shouted demands for answers as Swarm Aero CEO Peter Kalogiannis defended the company’s mission.
“We are building aircraft that allow humans to operate more efficiently,” Kalogiannis told the crowd.
Before the meeting began, protesters gathered outside the library carrying signs opposing the company.
“I want to see them shut down,” said Abel Tomlinson, founder of the Arkansas Anti-war Alliance. “I want to see the Fayetteville City Council side with the people, that they listen to the people instead of the war profiteers.”
The town hall was encouraged by Fayetteville City Council member Teresa Turk, who said residents deserved a chance to question the company directly. She urged those in attendance to remain calm.
“Please be civil,” Turk said.
Swarm Aero opened a facility in south Fayetteville earlier this year. The company says it develops large, autonomous unmanned aircraft. Kalogiannis told attendees the company is focused on defense and that its initial client would be the U.S. Department of Defense.
That answer drew sharp criticism from some in the audience, who challenged the company’s claim that its work is intended to prevent war and save lives.
Residents also accused the company of operating in secrecy, raising concerns about nondisclosure agreements signed by some city leaders and pressing Kalogiannis on who encouraged Swarm Aero to come to Fayetteville.
Kalogiannis said U.S. Rep. Steve Womack suggested the company look at Northwest Arkansas and said Fayetteville appealed to the company because of its educated and engaged workforce.
When he declined to identify other business leaders involved, the room erupted with shouts of “Name them!”
At least one attendee voiced support for the company, saying Fayetteville “would be fools to turn this down” and asking for a job application.
The debate over Swarm Aero is expected to continue. Fayetteville city leaders are scheduled to hold a hearing Tuesday on zoning tied to the company after a resident filed an appeal.
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