Dunn Calls On New State Office of Strategic Defense Investment to Prioritize Picatinny

by njassemblygop.com

Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, a vocal critic of the Pentagon’s proposed restructuring of Picatinny Arsenal, is calling on the new Office of Strategic Defense Investment to collaborate with other federal, state and local leaders to protect and strengthen Picatinny, which serves as the U.S. military’s sole hub for advancing and fielding military weapons and ammunition.

“New Jersey’s defense ecosystem is strongest when Trenton, Washington, and our installations move in lockstep,” Dunn (R-Morris) said. “My focus now is ensuring this new office doesn’t create more bureaucracy, but instead does the hard, on-the-ground work that keeps New Jersey, and Picatinny Arsenal, the Army’s Munitions Center of Excellence, at the forefront of America’s military readiness. It must secure missions, strengthen our supply chain, and win the federal resources our capabilities warrant.”

Earlier this week, Gov. Phil Murphy announced that the new Office of Strategic Defense Investment, housed within the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, will support the state’s defense sector including military installations and contractors.

“My immediate next step is to formally request an onsite briefing at Picatinny with the new office, DMAVA, and our federal partners alongside local suppliers, county officials, and municipal leaders. We need clear, measurable goals: protect jobs, secure missions, win more federal contracts, and build a stronger workforce pipeline,” Dunn said. “I have also asked the Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to visit Picatinny and reconsider restructuring proposals that would weaken this critical installation.”

The U.S. Army has proposed breaking up a program at Picatinny Arsenal that is responsible for developing, procuring and fielding military weapons and ammunition. It would potentially transfer 1,000 jobs to other installations across the country.

Dunn, who is a member of the New Jersey Military Skills Council, cited the recent gathering of Chinese leader Xi Jinping, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, and Russia’s Vladimir Putin at a military parade in Beijing as another reason to reinforce the role of Picatinny.   

“This week’s display of unity by Russia, North Korea, and China in Beijing was a stark reminder that America’s adversaries are advancing their weapons and alliances. In the face of those threats, it is more critical than ever to protect and strengthen Picatinny, America’s premier weapons and munitions development hub so our warfighters keep their qualitative edge,” she said. 

Picatinny is responsible for research, development, acquisition, and lifecycle management of advanced weapons and ammunition. It supports more than 6,000 military, civilian, and private-sector employees, with small and mid-sized New Jersey firms strengthening the supply chain. It is Morris County’s third largest employer.

“New Jersey can and should lead in defense innovation,” Dunn said. “Keep Picatinny at the center, empower our workforce, and turn this office announcement into tangible results for America’s national security and New Jersey families.”