Young applauds new hypersonics office to be built in Indiana

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) plans to establish a new Joint Hypersonics Transition Office Systems Engineering Field Activity at the Crane, Indiana-based Naval Surface Warfare Center, U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) announced on Oct. 15.

Through this partnership, DOD aims to leverage the growing suite of government, industry and academic leaders associated with the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane.

“The Department of Defense is realizing what so many around our state have long understood, that critical work occurring around Indiana is shaping the future of our national security,” Sen. Young said. 

The senator secured language in the National Defense Authorization Act that directed the establishment of a Joint Hypersonics Transition Office and called for coordination between DOD and American universities including Notre Dame, Purdue, and Indiana University, which are focused on hypersonic research and development, according to a statement released by his office. 

Such coordination will hasten the transition of hypersonic technologies from the lab to the battlefield, and help America outpace other countries that are working to develop similar technologies, the statement said. 

“While legislative language that we secured in last year’s National Defense Authorization Act set the conditions for today’s announcement, I am especially grateful to the hard working Hoosiers whose efforts brought this home,” said Sen. Young. “I look forward to working with our partners around the state as this office is established and Indiana’s leadership role is solidified.” 

Sen. Young was joined during the announcement by Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, DOD officials and other Indiana leaders.

“In the coming decades the challenge of securing and defending America will increase, and dangers that have long been in the distant future are now today’s pacing threats,” Sen. Young said. “We no longer have the advantages of time, and the decisions we make today will establish the foundation for a successful national defense for years to come.”

Developing, producing and the fielding of emerging technologies like hypersonics will be a long process, he added, but it “will better equip our men and women in uniform to match the capabilities of our strategic competitors.”