Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. has announced that it has opened a new facility in New South Wales, Australia near the Naval Air Station HMAS Albatross to be the center of its emerging Australian Defense business.
With these facilities located in Albatross Aviation Technology Park in Nowra, the company is well positioned to support the evolving Australian UAS requirements. Kratos is initially focused on Unmanned Aerial System tactical/target and range support system opportunities, but has identified opportunities in the country for each of its five divisions.
Mako UAS Launch
Kratos celebrated its office opening along with team partner Air Affairs celebration of its extensive new facility expansion and headquarters relocation. Australian Defence Minister Marise Payne attended the opening and expressed her support for the Australian Defence Force (ADF):
“Using aerial target systems enables the ADF to undertake specialised training effectively and efficiently, using realistic scenarios that ensure our personnel have the skills needed to respond to any threats.”
Kratos and Air Affairs together offer the full range of aerial target capability ranging from unmanned mid and high performance jet target aircraft through to manned aircraft tow target services.
Minister Payne added:
“The Turnbull Government is investing A$200bn in our defence capability over the next decade to ensure the ADF is equipped to succeed in our challenging strategic environment.”
Steve Fendley, Kratos’ Unmanned Systems Division President, said,
“Kratos is committed to supporting the ADF needs with our range of tactical and target UAS primarily designed for the US DoD with direct applicability to the ADF missions and systems, many of which are common to both countries. With the increased defense focus in Australia, and the low cost vs performance ratio our UAS provide, we offer true leading technology, capabilities, and performance all at an affordable cost; directly applicable to the ADF objectives.”
Eric DeMarco, Kratos’ President and CEO, said,
“I am excited to be expanding our international footprint and leveraging the (approximate) $85 million in investments we have made to develop and field a suite of high performance UAS which provide ideal solutions for both the US DoD and many foreign defense agencies. Today’s announcement of our Australian facility opening demonstrates continued commitment and successful execution of our business plan to be the global leader in high performance jet UAS.”
Top Photo:Right to Left: Honourable Marise Payne – Australian Minister for Defence; Chris Sievers – Chief Executive Officer (and owner) Air Affairs; Mrs. Ann Sudmalis MP – Parliament of Australia (local member for Gilmore, New South Wales); Jared Ethier – Kratos UAS Business Development Account Manager; Ryan Brown – Kratos Australia lead engineer
Source: Press Release