Defense Department – Indianapolis Business Journal

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Defense Department to install ‘micro’ nuclear reactor at Crane

September 9, 2026

When operational, the micro modular reactor would provide around-the-clock power for NWS Crane independent of the commercial electric grid, federal officials said on Wednesday.

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Braun highlights Indiana’s potential for defense industry

April 8, 2026

Joey Harris

The governor gave the opening address of the two-day conference focused on advancing national security through mission-driven technology and capability deployment.

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Regional Opportunity Initiatives Inc. debuts microelectronics program for high schools in new training hub

November 14, 2025 | Marek Mazurek

The fledgling program is starting with 12 students, but Regional Opportunities Initiatives Inc. CEO Tina Peterson predicted that the training hub will become a crucial part of southern Indiana’s microelectronics and defense ecosystem.

‘Shark Tank’ star: US falling behind in global race for AI dominance

September 24, 2025 | Daniel Bradley

Kevin O’Leary, a regular on the ABC show “Shark Tank” known as “Mr. Wonderful,” took the stage Wednesday for a fireside chat on Day 1 of the Rally innovation conference.

California defense tech company breaks ground on Indiana facility

March 18, 2025 | Alex Brown, Inside INdiana Business

The Indiana Economic Development Corp. noted the company plans to invest a total of more than $456 million and create up to 628 jobs by the end of 2029.

New Indy defense innovation summit to feature Pence as keynote speaker

September 13, 2024 | Cate Charron

Lawmakers, regional partners and sector leaders are expected to attend the two-day Midwest Defense Innovation Summit on Oct. 16-17 at the Indiana Convention Center.

Crane naval base poised for growth as innovation hub

November 24, 2023 | Peter Blanchard

Twenty years after nearly being shuttered, U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, has become a key player in the federal government’s strategy to outpace its foreign rivals in the booming microelectronics industry.

With $111M investment, Indiana University betting big on microelectronics

October 10, 2023 | Peter Blanchard

Indiana University is partnering with the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, to boost the growth of the microelectronics industry in Indiana.

UPDATE: Department of Defense awards Indiana $33M for regional innovation hub

September 20, 2023 | Peter Blanchard

Indiana is one of eight states selected for a regional technology and innovation hub that will be part of a federally funded national network of centers supporting domestic production of microelectronics, semiconductor manufacturing and other advanced technologies.

Allison awarded $6.5M in DOD funding to develop armored-vehicle transmission

August 28, 2022 | Wes Mills, Inside INdiana Business

Allison Transmission said its NextGen transmission, if accepted, will be part of the U.S. Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle.

2022 Innovation Issue: Connecting Crane with private sector will drive Indiana’s defense industry

May 27, 2022 |

Lesley Weidenbener

Connecting what happens behind the locked gates at Crane with the rest of Indiana’s economy takes some coordination. In the middle of that effort is the Indiana Innovation Institute.

Vertex hopes military contract will bring business to Indianapolis site

April 1, 2022 |

Susan Orr

Vertex announced this week that it has been awarded a seat on a $46 billion Air Force contract, which gives the company the right to bid on projects that fall under the contract.

Rolls-Royce lands huge Air Force contract, will add 150 jobs in Indy

September 24, 2021 |

Susan Orr

The contract to supply new engines for the B-52 bomber fleet could be worth up to $2.6 billion. It’s one of the largest contracts that Rolls’ Indianapolis operation has ever pursued.

In a first, Congress overrides Trump veto of defense bill

January 2, 2021 | Associated Press

The bill affirms a 3% pay raise for U.S. troops and guides defense policy, cementing decisions about troop levels, new weapons systems and military readiness, personnel policy and other military goals.

State rallying troops to increase Department of Defense spending in Indiana

February 21, 2020 |

Samm Quinn

Reaching Gov. Eric Holcomb’s goal would entail boosting the amount of federal defense dollars spent in Indiana to at least $10.2 billion in the next five years.

NOV. 13-19, 2026

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