The Chamber’s recent State of the Aerospace event was a celebration of the aerospace industry’s growing presence in Greater Oklahoma City. A myriad of information was shared about the tremendous potential for growth due to the rise of unmanned aerial vehicles and systems, as well as challenges the industry still faces. Attendees enjoyed hearing from leaders in the industry who are driving growth and influencing the future of flight in Oklahoma. Keynote speaker Steve Fendley, President, Unmanned Systems Division – Kratos Defense and Security Solutions was joined by panelists James Grimsley, Executive Director of Advanced Technology Initiatives – Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and David Zahn, Research Pilot, Ames Research Center – NASA. Fendley touched on the growth of Unmanned Aerial Systems for the Department of Defense and the potential for Oklahoma to grow its influence in the sector. “In our region, there are more than 290 firms and 43,000 workers in the sector, with a payroll that exceeds $3.4 billion,” said Fendley. “We expect to see this tremendous growth in both the public and private sectors continue.” STATE OF THE AEROSPACE
“We must focus on skills and technologies that are leading the future, like advanced manufacturing, automated intelligence, data analytics and cybersecurity,” said Fendley. The panel discussion covered unmanned aircraft systems, advanced air mobility and was moderated by Kent Shortridge, Vice Chair of Military and Aerospace. “What we’re trying to figure out now, is what is the viable safety infrastructure needed to integrate the airspace,” said Colonel Shane Riley. Fendley noted how unmanned aerial systems are going to apply to our basic lives now, what our military does, what our adversaries think, and how we prepare as a nation. “It’s really a complex equation when you look across all those things.” While aerospace is a complex mission spanning across the country, Fendley stressed that Oklahoma approaches aerospace components differently by desiring expansion and commitment above all else. “What we have seen is constant support and constant belief in the mission and a constant commitment,” Fendley said. “And that’s the most important, right?” “We expect to see tremendous growth in both the public and private sectors continue,” said Steve Fendley, President, Unmanned Systems Division – Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
The largest, single-site employer in Oklahoma, Tinker Air Force Base, is expecting to see a continued increase in employment and workload. Pratt and Whitney is also completing a new facility south of Tinker to house their continued growth, and additional growth is anticipated from Northrup Grumman as well. Fendley noted that as workload increases, so do the opportunities for small businesses and subcontractors to support DOD missions.
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