In an effort to champion New Jersey’s defense industry, Gov. Phil Murphy announced the launch of the Office of Strategic Defense Investment.
The initiative, aimed at attracting new missions, safeguarding the competitiveness and sustainability of the state’s existing defense infrastructure, and fostering industry growth, will be housed within the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.
The Office of Strategic Defense Investment will work to elevate New Jersey’s defense sector by providing it with focused support, advocacy, and strategic planning for long-term growth on par with the state’s other key industries.
Murphy said it was an easy step to take.
“New Jersey’s defense sector is a cornerstone of our state’s economy and our nation’s security,” he said. “With world-class military installations and a vibrant network of defense contractors, the Garden State plays a critical role in advancing cutting-edge military technology.
“The creation of the Office of Strategic Defense Investment demonstrates our commitment to ensuring New Jersey remains a leader in this vital industry. We will continue working closely with our partners in government, industry, and the military to strengthen New Jersey’s defense ecosystem, keeping our communities safe and our economy strong.”
New Jersey’s defense ecosystem is vital to national security, innovation, research and development, manufacturing, and technological advancements. The state hosts major military installations such as Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Picatinny Arsenal, Naval Weapons Station Earle and the 177th Fighter Wing, along with a strong network of defense contractors. Together, these assets play a crucial role in supporting the nation’s war-fighting capabilities.
The Office of Strategic Defense Investment will serve as New Jersey’s center of excellence and coordination hub for defense priorities, collaborating closely with the governor’s office, the department of military and veterans’ affairs and leading defense stakeholders such as the defense enhancement coalition, which supports Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and Naval Weapons Station Earle, and the Picatinny Enhancement Coalition, which advocates for Picatinny Arsenal.
Emma Corrado, the chief of staff and chief external affairs officer at the EDA, will oversee the Office of Strategic Defense Investment.
“New Jersey is home to one of the nation’s most significant defense ecosystems, from three major military installations to thousands of defense contractors, employing more than 70,000 New Jerseyans and contributing billions of dollars to our state’s economy,” she said.
“This isn’t just about national security — it’s about jobs, innovation, and long-term economic competitiveness for communities across the Garden State. Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, this new initiative is a critical step to ensuring our state remains coordinated, competitive, and strong in advancing our defense mission.”
The defense sector is a significant employer in New Jersey, with more than 54,000 personnel working directly on the three major military bases, including more than 46,000 at JBMDL, 6,000 at Picatinny, and 1,500 at NWSE. An additional 22,000 New Jerseyans are employed as contractors or within the supply chain. These installations and contractors bring substantial federal investment to the state, with the Department of Defense (DoD) allocating approximately $9.4 billion to New Jersey in Fiscal Year 2023. This funding, which represents about 1.3 percent of the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), includes $2 billion for salaries of active duty and civilian personnel, and over $7 billion in defense contracts awarded within the state.
EDA CEO Tim Sullivan said there is a strong business case on the initiative.
“Under Gov. Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has remained a leader in the defense industry, and the Office of Strategic Defense Investment will ensure the sector’s longevity and growth, which is essential for job creation and economic sustainability.
“By supporting the defense sector, we are driving economic growth and fueling innovation, while supporting our service members, their families, and our national security.”
Currently, New Jersey is home to roughly 7,091 defense contractors who collectively receive about $7.3 billion in DoD contracts. Of this, over $1.4 billion supports manufacturing and research and development across more than 1,700 New Jersey companies, underscoring the state’s critical role in advancing defense technologies.
“New Jersey’s citizenry and industry alike have always stood on the front line of national defense,” sBrigadier General Yvonne Mays, the Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of Military and Veterans Affairs, said. “We have it all: human talent, strategic location, and historic track record for excellence in critical requirements. New Jersey’s patriots set the conditions for success and victory.”
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