Stefanik Delivers More Than $541 Million in Defense Wins for Upstate NY, Secures $329 Million for Air Force Research Lab in Rome, NY

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Chairwoman of House Republican Leadership and senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, successfully delivered $541.8 million in defense wins-including $194 million for the New York Air National Guard's "ski bird" planes and $329.8 million for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL Rome) in Rome, NY. AFRL Rome's work in surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence, and quantum information science is key to American national security dominance in critical emerging technologies.

"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. From modernizing the 109th Airlift Wing's LC-130J 'ski bird' fleet, to major investments in quantum computing, critical mineral sources, and next-generation battle technologies at AFRL Rome and Griffiss Institute, these funds reinforce our region's role as a national leader in military readiness. These historic funding levels will spur further economic growth across NY21 and preserve our country's national security for generations to come," said Stefanik.

"Congresswoman Stefanik's success in securing millions for the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome is a tremendous win for Oneida County, the Mohawk Valley, and our nation's defense," said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. "AFRL Rome and the Griffiss Institute are cornerstones of innovation in emerging technologies like quantum science, intelligence, and advanced battle management, while also serving as major economic drivers for our region. I thank Congresswoman Stefanik for her steadfast advocacy and leadership in ensuring Upstate New York remains at the forefront of national security, research excellence, and high-tech job creation."

"AFRL Rome, the Griffiss Institute, and New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing are critical assets that serve a valuable purpose in the region, state, and nation," said New York Senator Joseph Griffo. "I appreciate Congresswoman Stefanik's advocacy and efforts to deliver this important funding."

"Continued federal support for advanced research at Rome Lab is strengthening technologies critical to our national security and reinforcing Rome's role in next-generation innovation," said Heather Hage, President and CEO of Griffiss Institute. "We appreciate the leadership, including Representative Elise Stefanik, in advancing investment in quantum networks that are developed, tested, and transitioned here in the Mohawk Valley for national impact."

Stefanik delivered the following key defense wins:

• $194,000,000 for procurement and engineering of new LC-130J "ski bird" planes for the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing.
  
  
• $12,500,000 for quantum computing efforts at the Griffiss Institute in Rome, NY.
  
  

• $10,000,000 to develop a secure domestic source of the critical mineral gallium in Upstate.
  
  
• $9,000,000 for the development of Agile, Assured, and Autonomous Battle Management Network and Readiness Accelerator (3A-BMN) technologies at AFRL Rome.
  
  
• $8,000,000 for portable ground launched cruise missiles.
  
  
• $5,000,000 to support photonic quantum computing efforts at AFRL Rome.
  
  
• $5,000,000 to support the expansion of AFRL Rome's Distributed Quantum Networking Testbed and Quantum Cloud Computing Environment.

Permalink: https://stefanik.house.gov/2026/1/stefanik-delivers-more-than-541-million-in-defense-wins-for-upstate-ny-secures-329-million-for-air-force-research-lab-in-rome-ny