New 61,000 sq ft manufacturing hub powers 300% surge in US electronic warfare capacity

American tech firm CACI International has opened a 61,000-square-foot manufacturing center in the Greater Rochester, New York, area to build and deliver advanced electronic warfare systems for U.S. forces. The new facility increases CACI’s manufacturing footprint in the region by more than 300 percent and is designed to handle the development, testing, assembly, and delivery of electronic warfare technology. The center will initially support production of CACI’s Terrestrial Layer System Brigade Combat Team Manpack, or TLS BCT Manpack, a system designed to give dismounted U.S. Army soldiers electronic warfare capabilities on the battlefield. Electronic warfare involves operating in and around the electromagnetic spectrum, where forces can detect, disrupt, and exploit communications and other electronic signals. For soldiers operating on the ground, such systems can provide another way to identify and respond to threats without relying solely on conventional weapons. Electronic warfare moves production The new facility is intended to do more than assemble equipment. CACI says it will also support training, customer acceptance testing, delivery and on-site storage, creating a production hub for its electronic warfare portfolio. TLS Manpack is a software-defined system, meaning some of its capabilities can be updated through software rather than requiring an entirely new piece of hardware. CACI says the facility has room to expand as demand for such systems grows. The company is also connecting the new operation to a broader manufacturing network. Production of TLS Manpack is expected to support dozens of small manufacturing and fabrication businesses across Upstate New York. “As we expand our manufacturing capacity nationwide, we intentionally chose Rochester because of its exceptional talent, world-class capabilities, and longstanding community partnerships,” said Chris Monoski, CACI Executive Vice President of Manufacturing. “This facility reflects our long-term commitment to the region and positions us to deliver advanced capabilities faster, at greater scale, and with the quality our customers depend on.” Software meets factory scale The Rochester center is intended to turn CACI’s software-defined approach into hardware that can be produced at larger volumes. The company says the facility will manufacture TLS Manpack and other electronic warfare systems as it expands. The company has been developing software-defined technologies for years, and says those investments are now being translated into physical systems for military customers. “This ribbon cutting reflects CACI’s long-term commitment to Rochester and to delivering the advanced technologies our customers need to win in increasingly contested environments,” said John Mengucci, CACI President and Chief Executive Officer. “Years ago, we invested in software-defined innovation because we knew the character of modern warfare was changing. Today, those investments are being transformed into advanced electronic warfare capabilities right here in Rochester. As we continue to grow, we’re creating high-skilled engineering and manufacturing jobs, investing in local talent and strengthening the capabilities that protect America.” The company sees manufacturing capacity as increasingly important as demand for electronic warfare systems rises. A larger production base could allow CACI to move systems from development to delivery more quickly while maintaining testing and acceptance activities at the same site. “Demand for advanced electronic warfare technology is surging, and Rochester gives us the capacity to deliver for our customers today while preparing for tomorrow,” said Tom Kirkland, CACI Executive Vice President of Electronic Warfare. “By combining software-defined innovation with advanced manufacturing, we’re delivering technologies that give our customers the operational edge when it matters most. Our adversaries never pause, neither can we.” Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.With over a decade-long career in journalism, Neetika Walter has worked with The Economic Times, ANI, and Hindustan Times, covering politics, business, technology, and the clean energy sector. Passionate about contemporary culture, books, poetry, and storytelling, she brings depth and insight to her writing. When she isn’t chasing stories, she’s likely lost in a book or enjoying the company of her dogs.