Mississippi fuels seabed warfare tech with major integer expansion
Gulfport, MS – Integer Technologies is dramatically expanding its operations in Mississippi, signaling a significant investment in advanced seabed warfare capabilities and a strategic partnership with the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). The move, bolstered by a $10.6 million contract modification from the Office of Naval Research, positions the state as a burgeoning hub for cutting-edge defense innovation.
A new center of excellence
The cornerstone of this expansion is the newly established Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise, a state-of-the-art facility providing Integer with direct ocean access—a crucial advantage for real-time in-water testing of autonomous systems. This proximity to the Gulf of America dramatically accelerates the development of operational decision-support tools critical for unmanned platforms operating in challenging undersea environments. Senator Roger Wicker, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, described the partnership as “a great team” with the potential to strengthen the Navy’s technological edge.
“We’re not simply building an office,” explained Josh Knight, COO and co-founder of Integer. “We’re cultivating a workforce, and frankly, creating a pipeline for the next generation of engineers and scientists to contribute to national security – right here in their hometown.”
Strategic collaboration drives innovation
The collaboration with USM is central to Integer’s strategy. Researchers at the university, renowned for their expertise in marine science, will work alongside industry professionals, fostering an environment of rapid innovation. This synergy, according to Dr. Joseph S. Paul, President of USM, “drives both scientific advancement and economic development across the Gulf Coast region.” The recent $24.8 million contract modification – a cumulative total for the Intelligent Autonomous Systems for Seabed Warfare project – underscores the depth of this commitment.
Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith highlighted Mississippi’s growing relevance in defense innovation, stating, “The Navy’s investment… reflects the critical role our state continues to play.” The expansion promises to bring high-skill, high-salary jobs to the Gulf Coast, bolstering the local economy and solidifying Mississippi’s position as a leader in the defense sector. But the true significance lies not just in the numbers, but in the potential to safeguard America’s interests in these increasingly contested waters.