The new federal partnership solidifies the Mohawk Valley’s role as a national hub for drone technology, promising high-tech jobs and economic growth.

Griffiss International Airport has been selected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a pioneering research contract, a landmark deal that positions Rome as a critical center for the future of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones. This multi-year partnership, announced Tuesday, will focus on developing the next generation of air traffic control systems for drones. For the Mohawk Valley, this isn’t just a research grant; it’s a strategic victory that promises to attract cutting-edge companies, create high-paying jobs, and cement the region’s reputation as a leader in the tech industry.

What the FAA Partnership Entails

The contract designates the UAS test site at Griffiss, operated by the Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance (NUAIR), as a key partner in the FAA’s efforts to safely integrate drones into the national airspace. The research will tackle some of the most complex challenges facing the drone industry, including beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, collision avoidance technology, and data security.

“This is a game-changer for Griffiss and the entire region,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. at the announcement event. “The FAA is entrusting us with a critical piece of the future of aviation. This partnership validates the years of investment and hard work that have gone into building a world-class drone testing ecosystem right here in Rome.”

The Focus on “Sky-High” Innovation

The research will be conducted within New York’s 50-mile drone corridor, which stretches from Rome to Syracuse. Key objectives of the new contract include:

• Developing UAS Traffic Management (UTM): Creating a “highway in the sky” system that allows drones from different operators (e.g., package delivery, infrastructure inspection) to fly safely in the same airspace.
• Testing Advanced Detection Systems: Implementing and verifying the effectiveness of radar and sensor technology designed to detect and avoid other aircraft, both manned and unmanned.
• Cybersecurity Protocols: Establishing robust security standards to protect drones and their control systems from hacking and other cyber threats.

Ken Stewart, CEO of NUAIR, highlighted the collaborative nature of the work. “We will be bringing together the best minds from the FAA, academia, and private industry to solve these challenges. The technology developed and proven here in the Mohawk Valley will set the standard for the entire country.”

H2: Economic Impact and Job Creation

The immediate economic impact will be substantial, with the contract bringing millions in federal funding directly into Oneida County. More importantly, this partnership acts as a powerful magnet for the burgeoning drone industry. Tech companies developing drone hardware, software, and support systems will be drawn to the region to be near the testing hub.

This is expected to lead to the creation of hundreds of skilled jobs over the next five to ten years, ranging from software engineers and data analysts to drone pilots and maintenance technicians. It also creates a powerful incentive for students at local institutions like SUNY Polytechnic Institute and MVCC to pursue careers in STEM fields, knowing that high-tech opportunities await them at home.

“We are not just testing drones; we are building an industry,” Picente added. “These are the jobs of tomorrow, and they are being created right here in the Mohawk Valley today.”

A Clear Flight Path to the Future

The FAA’s selection of Griffiss International Airport for this vital research contract is more than just a headline; it’s a testament to the region’s strategic vision and technical prowess. This partnership secures the Mohawk Valley’s place at the forefront of a transformative technology, promising a future of innovation and economic prosperity.

This development is a source of regional pride and a powerful engine for our future. We encourage our readers, especially students and those considering a career change, to explore the educational and job opportunities that will emerge from this exciting new chapter in Mohawk Valley’s history. The sky is no longer the limit; it’s the new frontier.