Orlando’s defense sector could be in for a sizable jolt. San Diego-based Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is lining up a roughly $67 million expansion of its local operations that would bring about 100 new jobs to the area, according to local reporting. The pitch is big enough that city economic-development staff are now weighing a $150,000 job-creation incentive tied to the plan.
As reported by the Orlando Business Journal, Kratos’ proposal would boost manufacturing and integration capacity in Orlando and add roughly 100 workers to its payroll. The outlet reports that the $150,000 incentive package is currently with city reviewers, who are scrutinizing Kratos’ investment and hiring promises before anything moves forward.
Kratos’ Orlando footprint
Kratos lists its Orlando operation at 8601 Transport Drive, according to Kratos. The company identifies that site as supporting unmanned systems, space, and weapons programs, and says it uses the facility for production and testing work that plugs into larger programs.
Company momentum behind the move
The expansion talk is coming as Kratos reports growing revenue and bookings this year. In a May 6 press release, the company said it brought in about $371 million in first-quarter 2026 revenue and noted stronger bookings. Eric DeMarco, Kratos’ president and CEO, wrote that “there is a generational recapitalization of the U.S. defense industrial base underway,” casting facility and production investments as part of that broader trend in the company’s Kratos announcement.
What comes next
According to the Orlando Business Journal, city economic-development staff will continue reviewing the incentive request before any public vote or contract lands in front of Orlando’s elected leaders. It is not yet clear when the package might appear on a commission agenda or how quickly Kratos would move on hiring if the plan advances.
Local context
Orlando has leaned on targeted job-creation and high-wage incentive programs in the past to land headquarters and advanced manufacturing projects, with payouts typically contingent on hitting hiring and payroll marks. City records show those programs run through redevelopment and city approval channels, a framework officials are expected to use again as they evaluate Kratos’ request, according to City of Orlando documents.
If the deal wins sign-off, Kratos’ expansion would deepen its local production footprint and add a fresh batch of skilled manufacturing roles to the region. For now, the project’s fate rests with the incentive reviewers and whatever lands on future meeting agendas.
