The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in Rome, New York, is set to receive $5 million for a Counter UAS Advanced Detection Systems Pilot Program, part of a broader $224.5 million funding authorization included in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The funding, championed by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, represents a significant investment in technologies aimed at strengthening national security. The C-UAS initiative will focus on advanced detection capabilities to address growing threats posed by unmanned aerial systems on the battlefield and in critical airspace.
“Rome Lab is vital to our national defense,” said Senator Schumer. “I’m proud to announce that I have secured the long-desired federal funding authorization of $224.5 million to turbocharge Rome Lab’s testbed for researching and developing quantum algorithms, networks, and communications.”
Senator Gillibrand emphasized the importance of these investments for both security and local jobs: “This investment is a major step forward in strengthening the Mohawk Valley’s position as the nation’s hub for quantum and cyber research. From quantum networking and cloud computing to unmanned aerial systems, these funds will support good-paying New York jobs and bolster our national security.”
The $5 million C-UAS allocation is part of a package that also includes $10 million for a Distributed Quantum Networking Testbed and $5 million for an Agile, Assured, and Autonomous Battle Management Network and Readiness Accelerator. These projects aim to advance research in quantum computing, cyber defense, and autonomous systems.
Located in Oneida County, Rome Lab has served as the Air Force’s “Superlab” since 1997, specializing in Command, Control, Communications, Cyber, and Intelligence (C4I) technologies. The lab collaborates with federal agencies, universities, and private industry to develop next-generation solutions for air, space, and ground systems.
Officials say the funding will deepen partnerships with organizations such as the Griffiss Institute, Assured Information Security, and the CNY Defense Alliance, while reinforcing Rome Lab’s role as a leader in military innovation.
Post Image Credit: US Air Force Research Laboratory.
