Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has officially started construction on a $50 million Hypersonic System Indiana Payload Integration Facility (IPIF) in Crane, Indiana. This 68,000-square-foot facility will play a pivotal role in advancing the development and testing of next-generation hypersonic vehicle and payload technologies, further supporting the Multi-Service Advanced Capabilities Hypersonic Testbed (MACH-TB) program.

Designed to expedite the preparation and testing of experimental payloads for hypersonic systems, the facility aims to significantly reduce the time needed for Mach 5+ flight testing. Kratos plans to accelerate the pace of hypersonic weapons development and provide the necessary infrastructure for quick and cost-effective innovation.

The facility, with an investment surpassing $50 million, will create more than 100 high-tech jobs, with an average annual salary exceeding $80,000. It is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026, further cementing Indiana’s position as a key hub for advanced defense technology.

The IPIF will complement Kratos' existing operations in Indiana, reinforcing its role in the defense sector. The facility also aligns with Kratos’ partnership with RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., which led to the creation of Prometheus Energetics LLC. This U.S.-based supplier of Solid Rocket Motors (SRMs) and other energetics will have its headquarters and production site located on a 550-acre campus in Bloomfield, Indiana, within the National Security Industrial Hub (NSIH) managed by ACMI. These developments solidify Indiana’s importance in hypersonic and advanced defense technology production in the U.S.

With its commitment to state-of-the-art hypersonic testing and integration, Kratos is playing a critical role in advancing next-generation defense systems. The new IPIF will provide the expertise and resources needed to accelerate the development of high-speed weapons, helping the U.S. maintain its leadership in hypersonic technology innovation.

In addition to its testing capabilities, the new IPIF will support the integration of hypersonic vehicle components and payloads, which are critical for developing hypersonic weapons, reconnaissance vehicles, and defense systems. The ability to rapidly integrate and test various systems in a controlled, high-speed environment is a crucial aspect of ensuring that these advanced technologies are ready for deployment when needed.

Kratos Defense’s strategic decision to build the facility in Crane, Indiana, will also serve as a catalyst for further economic growth and technological innovation in the region. The new jobs created will not only contribute to Indiana’s economy but also foster the development of highly skilled labor in cutting-edge fields such as aerospace engineering, defense technology, and high-speed testing.

Kratos’ investment in Indiana reinforces the state’s growing reputation as a hub for defense innovation. Indiana is already home to a variety of defense contractors, including Raytheon and Rolls-Royce, and the new Kratos facility will add to this network, making the region one of the key centers for the U.S. defense industry.

The partnership with RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., which is also expanding its presence in Indiana through Prometheus Energetics, underscores the broader push to develop and produce critical defense technologies in the U.S. The National Security Industrial Hub (NSIH) in Bloomfield will further enhance Indiana’s strategic role in national security and defense production. Prometheus Energetics will supply Solid Rocket Motors (SRMs) and other energetics for hypersonic systems, reinforcing the critical nature of rapid manufacturing and integration of cutting-edge defense technologies.

Overall, the construction of the Hypersonic System Indiana Payload Integration Facility is a major step forward for Kratos and the U.S. defense industry as a whole. As the facility nears completion and becomes fully operational by the end of 2026, it will provide the necessary infrastructure to ensure the U.S. stays at the forefront of hypersonic and defense technology development, securing national defense capabilities for the future.

Originally reported by Defense Industry Europe.