Oklahoma is set to bolster its position in the defense industry with a new Kratos Defense & Security Solutions facility in Bristow. In a significant development for the state's economic landscape, the manufacturing site will produce tactical jet engines for U.S. defense systems. The announcement, made at the prestigious Paris Air Show, underscores Oklahoma's commitment to high-tech industry growth, according to statements from local senators. The facility stands to bring a substantial number of high-quality jobs to Creek County and its environs—a move celebrated by both Senate Economic Development, Workforce, and Tourism Chair Kristen Thompson and Sen. Todd Gollihare.
"We’ve made targeted investments in research, development, and workforce to attract exactly this kind of advanced industry," Thompson said in a statement on the Oklahoma Senate. Her work as co-chair of the Senate’s LEAD Committee has been instrumental in fostering policies that back sectors like aerospace and advanced manufacturing. The initiative reflects a strategic aligning of economic planning with job creation.
The new 50,000 square-foot Bristow facility, with potential expansion up to 100,000 square feet, will accommodate up to five production lines for the GEK-series engines Kratos is known for. In addition to on-site testing capabilities, the site's development has been partially funded through state incentive programs. Kratos is expected to initiate its hiring process by late 2025, with a full operational launch targeted by the end of 2026.
Highlighting the broader significance of the project, Gollihare told the Oklahoma Senate, “We’re talking about high-quality jobs and cutting-edge manufacturing right here in rural Oklahoma, supporting our local economy and strengthening America’s defense capabilities."
