Kratos Defense to open new manufacturing facility in Oklahoma

Kratos Defense (KTOS) announced plans to open a new advanced manufacturing facility in Bristow, Oklahoma to produce its GE Aerospace (GE)-Kratos family of turbojet engines, with an initial focus on the GEK800. The announcement was made during the Oklahoma Breakfast in Paris ahead of the 2025 Paris Air Show. The 50,000-square-foot facility, located on 20 acres, is expected to expand to 100,000 square feet and house up to five GEK engine production lines and initial output of 500 engines annually, supporting thrust classes from 600 to 6000 pounds. Occupancy is expected in mid-2026, with operations fully ramped by Q4 2026.The facility will include three small engine test cells, which are expected to be operational in 2027, thanks to approved grant funding from the State of Oklahoma. The initial engine line is expected to create 60 high-quality jobs at the site, with key positions beginning recruitment in late 2025 and general hiring in Q1 2026. Each additional production line is expected to add approximately 45 new jobs.