BRISTOW, Okla. (OBV) – Kratos Defense & Security Solutions will build a manufacturing facility that will produce turbojet engines in Bristow, Okla.
The defense and national security technology company announced the new facility during the Oklahoma Breakfast in Paris, France, ahead of the 2025 Paris Air Show.
“This is a big win for American workers, for our military, and for every Oklahoman who believes in freedom, innovation, and strength. Kratos could’ve gone anywhere in the world, but they choose to continue investing in Oklahoma because it is the best place to build, grow, and do business,” said Gov. Kevin Stitt, who was in attendance at the Air Show for the announcement. “Oklahoma is proud to be a hub for national defense that is leading the way in rebuilding America’s industrial base and powering the technologies that keep our country safe.”
The facility will be 50,000 square feet and located on 20 acres in Bristow. It will produce Kratos’ GEK (GE Aerospace-Kratos) family of turbojet engines.
“Kratos is truly honored to expand our presence in Oklahoma with this new, state-of-the-art propulsion production facility in Bristow. This new Kratos investment reflects our continued commitment to delivering high-performance, affordable jet engine technology to support the Department of Defense and our allies and answers the rising demand for propulsion systems for cruise missiles and CCA-type aircraft, while being targeted and optimized for cost reduction,” said Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos. “The Bristow facility will play a critical role in accelerating production of the GEK family of engines, including the GEK800, and strengthening America’s industrial base in this decisive era. We thank Governor Stitt and the State of Oklahoma for their partnership in helping us build the future of high-performance propulsion right here in the heartland.”
The company plans to eventually expand the facility to 100,000 square feet and build up to five GEK engine production lines, according to Kratos officials.
The facility is expected to have an initial annual output of 500 engines, supporting thrust classes from 600 to 6000 pounds. Occupancy is expected in mid-2026, with operations fully ramped by Q4 2026.
“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 defense customers.”
Three small engine (200-2000 lbf thrust) test cells will be operated in the Bristow facility. Approved grand funding from the state will enable the test cells to be operational in 2027.
“Kratos’ expansion in Oklahoma is further proof that Oklahoma is a hub for innovative defense technology and high-quality manufacturing jobs,” said Congressman Kevin Hern. “I am proud of all Kratos does day-to-day, providing our servicemembers with the best technology in the world, and ensuring our national security.”
The initial engine line is expected to create 60 jobs. Recruitment for key positions will begin in late 2025 and general hiring in Q1 2026. Each additional production line is expected to add approximately 45 new jobs.
“Kratos’ decision to grow in Oklahoma highlights Oklahoma’s strong workforce and unwavering support for our nation’s defense mission,” said Congressman Frank Lucas. “Kratos continues to excel and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this facility will have on our state and national security.”
Kratos manufactures weapons systems for the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Army, as well as the militaries of ally nations. The company was founded in 1994 as Wireless Facilities Incorporated and originally specialized in telecommunications infrastructure and networks. It announced its new company name, Kratos, in 2007 and announced its defense engineering and weapons development divisions in 2008.
The Kratos Unmanned Systems Division has a facility in Oklahoma City, which it opened in 2018 to meet increasing demand for drones and target drone systems. The OKC facility is fully operational with two major drone aircraft systems in rate production, as well as prototype production of a third system. The first MQM-178 Firejet was built in Oklahoma City in April 2019. The XQ-58A Valkyrie, a high-performance tactical unmanned aerial vehicle capable of long-range, high-subsonic speed flights, is also built at the OKC facility
