Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed legislation creating the Ohio Defense and Space Commission.
House Bill 292, sponsored by State Representatives Nick Santucci of Niles and Ty Mathews of Findlay, establishes the commission to develop strategies to promote Ohio’s defense and aerospace industries.
The commission will oversee the Defense and Aerospace Industries Expansion Program, recruit international defense and aerospace businesses to Ohio, and promote research, development, and manufacturing of technology designed to counter unmanned aerial vehicle systems.
The commission will also consider policies to improve the quality of life for service members and veterans and develop statewide strategies to grow the defense and aerospace industries.
Santucci says the legislation will help Ohio compete for investment, support military installations, strengthen advanced manufacturing and create jobs.
Mathews says Ohio can help lead the next generation of American defense and aerospace manufacturing and build what he called the “arsenal of the future.”
House Bill 292 is now law.
