Kratos Opens Advanced Hypersonic Facility in Maryland: A Milestone for Defense Innovation
Published on January 13, 2026 | Source: GlobeNewsWire
Summary of the New Facility Opening
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) has officially inaugurated its new facility in Princess Anne, Maryland. Spanning 55,000 square feet, this state-of-the-art manufacturing and payload integration center is designed to enhance hypersonic testing capabilities for key defense programs, including the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonics Test Bed (MACH-TB) 2.0. This new facility underscores Kratos' commitment to strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base.
Facility Features and Strategic Importance
The advanced facility is equipped with cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities and specialized integration areas aimed at supporting hypersonic testing for various federal agencies, including the U.S. Navy, US Air Force, DARPA, and the Missile Defense Agency. The strategic location near the NASA Wallops Flight Facility allows for optimized logistics and operational efficiencies.
- Enhanced Production Capacity: The facility will boost Kratos’ ability to meet the increasing demand for hypersonic flight testing.
- Improved Integration Processes: Streamlined payload integration methods will expedite project timelines.
- Increased Testing Capabilities: The facility is expected to enhance test cadence and provide more economical flight test opportunities for hypersonic technologies.
Leadership Insights on the Investment
Dave Carter, President of Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services Division, expressed that this investment is pivotal in expanding the nation’s hypersonic testing capabilities. “This strategic investment...enables us to respond even more rapidly to the growing demand for affordable hypersonic flight testing,” he stated.
Kratos’ CEO Eric DeMarco added, “This new facility is another example of Kratos’ strategy...to invest in growing the U.S. defense industrial base.” The commitment to producing relevant national security hardware aligns with enhancing their manufacturing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Local Community Impact
The establishment of the Princess Anne facility is projected to create numerous high-skilled job opportunities, thereby fostering economic growth in the region. Local officials have expressed optimism about Kratos’ contributions to the community.
Jay Prouse, Princess Anne Town Manager, remarked, “We are excited to welcome Kratos...Kratos’ contributions will help strengthen our local economy.” Meanwhile, Danny Thompson, Executive Director for the Somerset County Economic Development Commission, emphasized the collaborative efforts that continue to drive growth in the Aerospace Engineering sector.
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
Founded as a technology and products company, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) focuses on defense, national security, and commercial markets. Kratos is dedicated to rapidly developing and producing solutions to meet mission-critical needs, employing leading-edge technologies to drive affordability and effectiveness in defense solutions.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release may constitute "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors should be aware of potential risks and uncertainties that may lead to actual results differing from expectations. For further discussion on risks, please refer to Kratos' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2024, and subsequent filings.