By Asset Allocator Journal Staff
Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday announced the launch of the Office of Strategic Defense Investment, a new initiative designed to strengthen New Jersey’s defense industry.
Housed within the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), the office will focus on attracting new missions, sustaining the state’s military infrastructure, and fostering growth across the sector. Officials said the office will provide advocacy and long-term planning comparable to support given to other key industries in the state.
“New Jersey’s defense sector is a cornerstone of our state’s economy and our nation’s security,” Murphy said. “The creation of the Office of Strategic Defense Investment demonstrates our commitment to ensuring New Jersey remains a leader in this vital industry.”
New Jersey is home to major military installations, including Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Picatinny Arsenal, Naval Weapons Station Earle, and the 177th Fighter Wing, along with more than 7,000 defense contractors. According to state data, the Department of Defense allocated about $9.4 billion to New Jersey in Fiscal Year 2023, including $2 billion for personnel salaries and more than $7 billion in contracts.
NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan said the office will support job creation and innovation while backing service members and national security. NJEDA Chief of Staff and External Affairs Officer Emma Corrado, who will oversee the new office, said more than 70,000 New Jerseyans are employed in the defense sector.
The office will work with the Governor’s Office, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and advocacy groups including the Defense Enhancement Coalition and the Picatinny Enhancement Coalition.
State and federal officials praised the initiative. Brig. Gen. Yvonne L. Mays, New Jersey’s Adjutant General, said the state has the “human talent, strategic location, and historic track record for excellence” to strengthen national defense.
U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross said the office will help leverage New Jersey’s schools, universities, and workforce training to maintain the state’s defense leadership. Rep. Mikie Sherrill highlighted Picatinny Arsenal’s research and development role, while State Sen. Anthony Bucco called the new office “an important step to solidify New Jersey’s role as a leader in our nation’s defense industry.”
Other supporters included State Sen. Raj Mukherji, who chairs the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee; Emil Kaunitz of the Defense Enhancement Coalition; and Marty Kane of the Picatinny Enhancement Coalition, who noted the arsenal’s role in developing the M777 Howitzer used in Ukraine.
Murphy also recently wrote to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll, voicing concerns about a proposed Army reorganization that could affect Picatinny Arsenal.
