From staff reports Firehawk Aerospace, a company specializing in hybrid rocket propulsion technology, announced it will invest $45 million to build a state-of-theart manufacturing facility on 160 acres within the Southwest Rail Industrial Park in Lawton.
The initiative includes a $22 million state and federal funding package for construction of a 40,000 square-foot manufacturing facility, test infrastructure and specialized manufacturing equipment.
The Addison, Texas-based company will invest in advanced machinery and other improvements to equip the $23 million manufacturing facility to be constructed by the Lawton Economic Development Authority (LEDA). This investment is expected to create approximately 100 high-tech jobs, marking a transformative milestone for the region’s aerospace and defense sectors.
Firehawk Aerospace, which began operations in 2019, has an innovative approach to rocket propulsion: it utilizes 3D-printed solid rocket fuel to produce safer, more efficient, and cost-effective hybrid engines for various applications, including defense and commercial space exploration.
The new facility in Lawton will serve as a hub for the design, production, and testing of these advanced propulsion systems, further solidifying the city’s position as a center for aerospace innovation.
“Oklahoma is open for business, and today’s announcement proves it,” Gov. Kevin Stitt said during a May 28 press conference.
“By expanding solid and hybrid rocket motor production here in our state, we are doing our part to strengthen the nation’s defense forces and the shield of missile defense. This new facility, located near Fort Sill – the home of Army artillery – will leverage the most advanced additive manufacturing technology to propel the industry base into a new era. This effort is about securing our nation, creating high-tech jobs, and showing that Oklahoma stands ready to lead in building the capabilities that keep America safe.”
“Firehawk’s decision to establish its manufacturing operations in Lawton is a testament to our city’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and advanced manufacturing,” said Brad Cooksey, president of the Lawton-Fort Sill Economic Development Corporation (LEDC). “This partnership is a perfect example of what is possible when we leverage the strengths of the entire Lawton-Fort Sill community to support Oklahoma’s thriving aerospace and defense industry and attract quality jobs for our citizens.'
For more than a year, entities led by the LEDC, along with the Lawton Economic Development Authority (LEDA), Comanche County Industrial Development Authority (CCIDA), the City of Lawton and its City Council, and the Fires Innovation Science and Technology Accelerator (FISTA), in conjunction with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, have been working with Firehawk leadership to expand from the FISTA Innovation Park to the larger industrial park.
“Establishing our new facility in Lawton is a move that allows us to scale our operations and collaborate closely with key partners in the defense sector,” Firehawk Aerospace CEO and Co-founder Will Edwards said.
“This is a strategic investment in the future of U.S. energetics and propulsion capacity. It will enable us to produce the advanced energetics needed to replenish the U.S. arsenal, restore stockpiles, and sustain any fight,” Edwards said.
“We’re deeply grateful to Governor Stitt, Congressman Tom Cole, Senator Markwayne Mullin, and the State of Oklahoma for their vision and support. Together, we’ll build infrastructure to turn innovation into combat-ready capability: rapidly, efficiently and with scale at its core.”
“This investment underscores the strategic advantages our city offers, from a skilled workforce to proximity to key military installations like Fort Sill,” said Lawton Mayor Stan Booker. “This development is a significant step forward in our economic growth and diversification.”
“This marks a pivotal moment for Lawton and Oklahoma,” said Dr. Krista Ratliff, president and chief executive officer of the FISTA Development Trust Authority. “Oklahoma is ready to lead and support the next generation of defense manufacturing. We’re building a bridge between national security priorities and local opportunity right here in Lawton-Fort Sill, Oklahoma.”
Construction of the new facility is set to begin later this year, with operations expected to commence in 2026. Firehawk’s expansion is anticipated to have a substantial economic impact on the region, fostering job creation, enhancing STEM education opportunities, and attracting further investments in the aerospace and defense industries.