Evansville, IN – Mike Braun delivered the opening keynote address at the Midwest Defense Innovation Summit, where he emphasized Indiana’s emergence as a hub for defense innovation and its impact on job creation.
The event, hosted by the Applied Research Institute, brought together more than 300 leaders from industry, government, and academia at the Crowne Plaza Union Station. During his remarks, Braun said the state is positioned to become a leading destination for defense innovation, citing its ability to rapidly move projects from concept to operational capability while supporting national defense efforts.
State officials pointed to several key assets driving Indiana’s growth in the sector, including Naval Support Activity Crane, one of the largest naval installations in the world. The facility plays a major role in areas such as nuclear modernization, hypersonic technology, and munitions production.
Recent developments, including hypersonics programs led by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions and the Prometheus Munitions Campus, were highlighted as examples of ongoing investment translating into new facilities, expanded production, and job growth across the state.
Braun also referenced an executive order aimed at strengthening Indiana’s role in drone development, including the creation of a dedicated drone corridor intended to accelerate private-sector investment in advanced systems.
Andrew Kossack, CEO of the Applied Research Institute, said the governor’s vision reflects the state’s growing national influence in defense innovation. He added that Indiana’s manufacturing capabilities and technical workforce are helping deliver critical solutions to support military operations.
