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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Locates Operational Hub in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

02/01/2018
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., a leading National Security Solutions provider, reported its Unmanned Systems Division is opening administrative and engineering offices along with production facilities in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

According to company officials, the expansion is needed 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, not far from Tinker AFB, where the initial 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.

"Advanced military target drones with fighter-like performance have been the mainstay of our company and we have come to dominate that market as our customers are replacing their drone fleets with the latest technology, and as a result, orders have increased substantially," said Steve Fendley, President of Kratos Unmanned Systems Division.

“Our BQM-167, already in production with the USAF since the mid 2000's has now also been selected as the replacement for the MQM-107 and begins production for the U.S. Army this year. We see the potential as even greater than for the heritage 107s with the increased capabilities our 167 offers, “Fendley added.

“In addition, 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,” he added.

Earlier this month Kratos announced a $23 million unmanned aerial drone system production award from an unnamed customer and a $93 million 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 is also currently under contract to develop and demonstrate high performance tactical drone systems that act as a loyal wingman to manned fighter aircraft or can operate independently.

"We are both honored and privileged to be here today in the great State of Oklahoma," said Eric DeMarco, President & CEO of Kratos. "Kratos is focused on delivering technology and products for greater effectiveness at an affordable cost for our customers, and our new facility in Oklahoma City is another step forward in the successful execution of that strategy."

"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,” she added.

Kratos said it 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.

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