Kratos opens new facility in Australia

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions said Thursday it has opened a new facility in Australia to support that government's military unmanned aerial systems efforts.

The new facility is located in New South Wales near the Naval Air Station HMAS Albatross and will be the "center" of Kratos' emerging Australian defense business, according to a company statement.

While Kratos says it is "initially focused on Unmanned Aerial System tactical/target and range support system opportunities," the company "has identified opportunities in the country for each of its five divisions."

Australian Defence Minister Marise Payne attended the opening, saying: "Using aerial target systems enables the [Australian Defence Force] to undertake specialized training effectively and efficiently, using realistic scenarios that ensure our personnel have the skills needed to respond to any threats."

Payne added that the Australian government is investing $200 billion Australian (about US$153.6 billion) in the country's defense capability "over the next decade to ensure the ADF is equipped to succeed in our challenging strategic environment."

Kratos President and CEO Eric DeMarco said in the statement: "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 U.S. 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."