Area Development
GWACS Defense, a research and technology firm in Tulsa, Oklahoma, that specializes in sniper and gunshot detection systems for the military, has gained membership to the Oklahoma 21st Century Quality Jobs Program. The company will create 58 jobs in Tulsa with a minimum average wage of more than $94,400. GWACS is only the second company in the state to qualify for the jobs program.

"This is just the beginning," said Jud Gudgel, company president and COO. "And as we continue to grow and expand our customer base and product offerings, we will remain a Tulsa-based company dedicated to developing sensors that will play a critical role in protecting the lives of our men and women on the front lines anywhere in the world."

GWACS is currently securing a new contract with the Marine Corps to develop a lifesaving, wearable network acoustical gunshot detection and location system. The company is also pursuing opportunities with several other agencies in the Department of Defense.

The company's signature product, the Ground Warfare Acoustical Combat System unit, uses acoustical sensors to identify and track hostile gunfire and locate friendly soldiers and command units within half a second.