The FISTA Innovation Park in Lawton, Oklahoma, has rapidly evolved into a dynamic hub for defence technology, attracting 27 tech firms—most of which are new to the state—and fueling economic growth in a region that has faced population decline for years. The park, which opened in 2023 inside a repurposed retail mall, is now a thriving ecosystem where defence contractors, academic institutions, and innovators collaborate on cutting-edge military technologies while fostering ties with nearby Fort Sill.
“The reputation we’re getting as an economic development leader is just astounding,” said Krista Ratliff, President and CEO of FISTA. “We’re getting national recognition.”
FISTA, which stands for Fires Innovation Science and Technology Accelerator, has become a magnet for defence tech firms, including Epirus, a company specializing in counter-unmanned systems technology. Epirus already operates within the park and on the University of Oklahoma campus, where it will soon open a new immersion lab for active-duty service members. This will be the third virtual training lab at FISTA, underscoring the park’s rapid expansion.
“Firehawk Aerospace announced in May it will build a 40,000-square-foot manufacturing facility to produce 3D-printed rocket propellant at FISTA. It is expected to create at least 100 jobs.”
The park’s success has revitalized the former Central Mall, now renamed Central Plaza, where about 50 retail stores remain active. JCPenney recently renewed its lease for five years, a testament to FISTA’s positive economic ripple effects.
“FISTA is really taking off in a way that didn’t exist five years ago. Some of the things they are doing are really going to turn things around,” said Jari Askins, interim president of Cameron University in Lawton.
FISTA’s growth has also contributed to a reversal in Lawton’s population decline, which has been steady since its peak in 2012. The park is attracting new workers and their families, while also creating career opportunities for students, professionals, and military families. Its $10 million STEM lab serves as a hub for mentorship and education, further embedding FISTA into the community.
As the park continues to expand, it is expected to bring new vitality to retail, dining, hospitality, and real estate sectors, providing even more jobs and economic growth for Lawton. With 23 of the 27 companies having no prior presence in Oklahoma—including one firm from Denmark—FISTA is not only reshaping the local economy but also positioning the region as a key player in the defence technology sector.
