Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to visit Austin and College Station on Friday, Sept. 18, as part of the federal government’s Arsenal of Freedom Tour, according to the Department of War. Hegseth’s Central Texas visit is expected to begin in Austin, where he will tour Capital Factory and Saronic Technologies. He is scheduled to meet with company leaders and employees and deliver remarks about defense innovation and technology. Saronic Technologies, an Austin-based defense technology company, develops autonomous maritime systems. The visit places local technology companies and their role in military procurement and innovation in the spotlight, though no details were provided about any contracts or new investments tied to Hegseth’s trip. The secretary also plans to visit the Austin Armed Forces Reserve Center, where he is expected to administer the oath of enlistment to new military recruits. Hegseth will then travel to College Station to address the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets and tour the university’s Veterans Resource Center. Texas A&M has one of the nation’s largest and most prominent military-affiliated student programs, making the campus a regular stop for senior defense officials. The visit is scheduled to conclude at the football game between Texas A&M University and the University of Kentucky. University officials plan to recognize prisoners of war and service members listed as missing in action during the game. The itinerary does not list public events, traffic restrictions or opportunities for community members to attend Hegseth’s remarks. Additional details about timing and security arrangements were not provided.