More than $541 million in federal defense funding is heading to Upstate New York, with major investments tied to military readiness, research, and emerging technologies, according to Rep. Elise Stefanik’s office.
Stefanik says the funding includes $329.8 million for the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome and $194 million for new aircraft for the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing.
“I am proud to have secured more than $541 million in defense wins through this year’s appropriations process to further strengthen Upstate New York as a frontline defender of American innovation and security,” Stefanik said. She said the funding will support aircraft modernization, quantum computing, critical minerals, and next-generation battle technologies.
The largest single investment targets AFRL Rome, which focuses on surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence, and quantum information science. Stefanik’s office says the work plays a key role in national security and advanced military technologies.
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. called the funding “a tremendous win for Oneida County, the Mohawk Valley, and our nation’s defense.” He said AFRL Rome and the Griffiss Institute drive innovation while supporting high-tech jobs in the region.
State Sen. Joseph Griffo also praised the funding, calling AFRL Rome, the Griffiss Institute, and the 109th Airlift Wing “critical assets” for the region, state, and nation.
Specific funding includes $194 million to procure and engineer new LC-130J “ski bird” planes for the 109th Airlift Wing. Another $12.5 million will support quantum computing efforts at the Griffiss Institute in Rome.
Additional allocations include $10 million to develop a secure domestic source of gallium, $9 million for advanced battle management network technologies at AFRL Rome, and $8 million for portable ground-launched cruise missiles.
The funding package also sets aside $5 million for photonic quantum computing and another $5 million to expand AFRL Rome’s quantum networking testbed and quantum cloud computing environment.
Stefanik said the investments will strengthen military readiness while driving long-term economic growth across the region.
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