PARIS, 16 June 2025 — In a significant move to scale domestic propulsion manufacturing, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) has announced the establishment of a new advanced manufacturing and test facility in Bristow, Oklahoma. The announcement was made at the Oklahoma Breakfast in Paris, ahead of the 2025 Paris Air Show, with Kratos CEO Eric DeMarco, Kratos Turbine Technologies (KTT) President Stacey Rock, and Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt in attendance.
The 50,000-square-foot plant—set on 20 acres—is expected to double in size, eventually housing five production lines for the GEK (GE Aerospace-Kratos) family of turbojet engines, with an initial focus on the GEK800. Once fully operational, the facility will support production of up to 500 engines annually, across thrust classes ranging from 600 to 6000 pounds.
Operations are slated to commence in mid-2026, with full production ramping by the fourth quarter. The site will also feature three small engine test cells (200–2000 lbf thrust), projected to go live in 2027 with grant support from the State of Oklahoma.
“This facility underscores Kratos’ strategy of delivering affordable, high-performance, made-in-America propulsion systems at scale,” said Stacey Rock, President of Kratos Turbine Technologies. “Bristow will be a critical site for delivering mass to the mission and meeting the growing propulsion needs of our defence customers.”
Initial hiring is set to begin in late 2025, with 60 high-quality jobs created in the first phase. Each subsequent production line will add approximately 45 positions, contributing to job growth and economic vitality in the region.
Governor Kevin Stitt welcomed the development, stating, “Kratos could’ve gone anywhere in the world, but they chose to continue investing in Oklahoma because it is the best place to build, grow, and do business. This is a big win for American workers, for our military, and for every Oklahoman who believes in freedom, innovation, and strength.”
Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos, added, “This new Kratos investment reflects our continued commitment to delivering high-performance, affordable jet engine technology to support the Department of Defence and our allies. The Bristow facility will play a critical role in accelerating production of the GEK family of engines, while strengthening America’s industrial base in this decisive era.”
Local and national officials echoed the significance of the announcement:
- Senator Markwayne Mullin: “Oklahoma is proud to be home to Kratos and all they do to provide cutting-edge defense technologies to our warfighters.”
- Congressman Kevin Hern: “Kratos’ expansion is further proof that Oklahoma is a hub for innovative defense technology and high-quality manufacturing jobs.”
- Congressman Frank Lucas: “Kratos’ decision to grow in Oklahoma highlights our strong workforce and unwavering support for the nation’s defence mission.”
Kratos’ Bristow facility represents a strategic step in rebuilding America’s industrial base while advancing national defense capabilities through innovation and scalable production.
