Kratos Opens Oklahoma Design and Production Facilities

07 Mar, 2018

The Unmanned Systems Division of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., a leading national security solutions provider, is opening administrative and engineering offices and production facilities in Oklahoma City to accommodate expected increased demand for high performance, jet powered unmanned aerial tactical and target drone systems.

Kratos is initially occupying an 8,800 square foot facility in Oklahoma City near Tinker AFB where the focus will be on engineering and production planning. Within six months, the company plans to expand into a 75,000 square foot facility to support its initial production efforts in OK. The company expects to employ more than 350 workers in Oklahoma within the next few years.

“Our tactical UAS drone systems have generated significant interest and we expect to be focusing these efforts and ramping up production of these tactical aircraft in Oklahoma, which has a highly educated and technical workforce, offers a cost-effective business and family environment, and is a great place for employees to live,” said Steve Fendley, President of Kratos Unmanned Systems Division.

Advanced military target drones with fighter-like performance has been the mainstay of Kratos which has come to dominate this marketplace as customers have been replacing their drone fleets with the latest technology.

“Oklahoma is one of the world’s premier destinations for the aerospace and defense industry. Kratos’ announcement of a new facility is a testament to the strength of the industry in our state,” said Oklahoma Governor, Mary Fallin. “Our skilled aerospace and engineering workforce, combined with the Quality Jobs Program and the Aerospace Engineering Tax Credit incentives along with our proximity to other world-class companies and defense operations made Oklahoma City the right choice for Kratos.”

Earlier this year, Kratos announced a $23 million unmanned aerial drone system production award from an unnamed customer and a $93 million dollar contract to supply target drones to the Army. This most recent contract makes Kratos the sole supplier of jet-powered, sub-scale target drones to all branches of the U.S. military.  Kratos’ unmanned target drones recently participated in Exercise Formidable Shield 2017, a live-fire integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) exercise conducted by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO on behalf of U.S. 6th Fleet.

Kratos will continue target drone production from its existing Sacramento facility, with a significant production ramp up having already begun at that facility, and expected to increase even more over the next 24 months. Oklahoma will be the site for new tactical drone production and excess demand requirements related to target drone production.

admin

More Posts

0 no comments

Tweet