Chairman McConnell Secures $1.7 Billion in Federal Funding for Kentucky Defense Priorities

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, announced today that he secured nearly $1.7 billion in federal funding in the FY 2026 Defense Appropriations bill. The federal resources would be used to strengthen the defense industrial base in Kentucky, including projects at the University of Louisville, University of Kentucky, Ft. Knox, and Blue Grass Army Depot.

As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator McConnell played a key role in shaping the legislation. The measure now goes to President Trump to be signed into law.

"Hard power is the cornerstone of U.S. national security - securing federal funding for Kentucky's defense priorities is essential to keeping our nation safe and our commitments credible. And investing accordingly is among the core responsibilities of the Congress," said Chairman McConnell. "I'm proud that the Senate has upheld that responsibility by passing the defense appropriations bill, ensuring Kentucky continues to contribute to our national defense and deterrence."

The projects secured by Senator McConnell in the bill include:

Supporting Defense-Related Research at Kentucky's Universities

• $20 million to support the Army's continued development of advanced materials and additive manufacturing techniques in partnership with the University of Kentucky.
• $9 million to support submarine stealth technology research at the University of Kentucky.

"We extend our deepest gratitude to Senator Mitch McConnell for his ongoing support of research collaborations that continue to drive innovation and prepare a highly skilled workforce here in Kentucky," said University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto. "These investments highlight the value of collaborative research that brings together universities, federal laboratories and industry to solve complex engineering and manufacturing challenges. Through partnerships with the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy, UK researchers are advancing materials science, automation and monitoring technologies that strengthen domestic capabilities and expand hands-on training opportunities for students and researchers."

• $16 million to support the establishment of new Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp defense-technology gateways, including at UofL.
• $2.5 million to fund research into warfighter molecular and cellular health at UofL.
• $12 million to support the National Security Agency's cyber workforce training partnership in cooperation with UofL and other universities.

University of Louisville President Gerry Bradley said, "We are very thankful for Senator McConnell's support to create the Kentucky Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hub at the University of Louisville, as well as the continued support of our Veterans Cyber Initiative. These federal investments will significantly expand the university's ability to support our nation. As the operator of OnRamp Hub: Kentucky, the University is building a unified defense innovation network across the state and speeding up the development of advanced solutions critical to national security."

Modernizing Infrastructure at Kentucky's Military Facilities

• Nearly $1 billion in federal funding for Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD)

"Throughout his career, Senator McConnell has recognized the profound economic impact that Blue Grass Army Depot has in Madison County and its important contribution to our national defense," said Madison County Judge/Executive Reagan Taylor. "The nearly $1 billion in investment that this legislation sets aside for Blue Grass Army Depot not only represents a powerful endorsement of its potential as a cornerstone of America's energetics manufacturing base, but also in the talent and value of the Depot's workforce. I appreciate Senator McConnell's sustained focus and working alongside us on job replacement at Blue Grass Army Depot and am grateful for this investment in the Depot and Madison County's shared future."

• $8 million to construct a new gas line to serve Ft. Knox's energy needs.
• $2.5 million to upgrade Ft. Knox's railhead facilities that support the installation's role as a Mobilization Force Generation Installation.
• This legislation also contains language to prohibit the use of appropriated funds to close the General George Patton Museum of Leadership at Fort Knox.

"Senator McConnell's unwavering support for Fort Knox cannot be overstated. From these critical infrastructure investments that elevate the installation's military readiness and strategic importance to the protection of one of our most treasured and visited tourist attractions, we cannot say enough about his commitment to our installation, our national defense and to our regional economy," said President and CEO of the Knox Regional Development Alliance Lance O'Bryan.

• $1.875 million to furnish the Kentucky National Guard's Vehicle Maintenance Shop in Northern Kentucky.

Strengthening the Defense Industrial Base in Kentucky

• $130 million to improve facilities, reinforce manufacturing capabilities, and strengthen the workforce that supports Columbia and Virginia-class submarine shipbuilding in the Louisville region.
• $15 million to replace aging machinery with modern tools and control systems to ensure reliable production of critical Mk45 5-inch guns used by the Navy to defend ships and sailors. Mk45 guns are produced in the Louisville region.
• $70.14 million to fund the procurement of six additional Land-based Phalanx Weapon Systems, which are produced in the Louisville region.
• $71.47 million to fund the procurement of additional SeaRAM Ship Defense Systems, which are produced in the Louisville region.
• $11.2 million to fund the lease of a subterranean training facility in the Louisville region.
• $7.5 million to continue the Army's development of next-generation vehicle armor, part of which will take place in the Louisville region.
• $9.5 million to fund further development of a cooperative spacecraft payload developed in partnership with Morehead State University in Eastern Kentucky to increase the responsiveness, effectiveness, and resilience of Integrated Air and Missile Defense platforms.
• $50 million the procurement of additional Ultra-Lightweight Camouflage Net System (ULCANS) multi-spectral camouflage nets critical to the survival of U.S. forces on the modern battlefield, which are produced in Southeastern Kentucky.
• $8.5 million for Army Mobile ULCANS Research, which will fund further research into advanced camouflage nets for Army combat vehicles. This research will support future manufacturing work in Southeastern Kentucky.
• $10 million to support Field Containerized Kitchen service life extension work in Southeastern Kentucky.
• $10 million for the Army to procure modernized drone technology under Phase II of the Soldier Borne Sensor program. Drones of the Soldier Borne Sensor program are repaired and maintained in Southeastern Kentucky.
• $6.12 million to support the testing of carbon fiber utility tanks in South Central Kentucky for use in Forward Aerial Refueling Points by the Army.
• $175 million to support Improved Turbine Engine Program test and integration efforts. Parts used in the Improved Turbine Engine Program are manufactured in Western Kentucky.
• $50 million to support research efforts to enhance the F-15EX fighter's engines. This research will support future engine part manufacturing work in Western Kentucky.
• $10 million to support the Air Force's expansion of the Generating Rural Innovation for National Defense program to additional states, including Kentucky.

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