WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after securing critical funding and wins for Indiana defense priorities in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.
Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Indiana’s military facilities and manufacturing base are vital to our national defense. I fought to ensure this year’s NDAA strengthens our capabilities, invests in our industries, and equips our servicemembers for the demands of 21st century warfare. It’s a critical step toward keeping America secure and a smart investment in Indiana’s future.”
Provisions secured by Senator Banks in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act:
$145 Million in Military Construction Projects for Indiana
- $72 million for initial funding the pyrotechnic facility at Crane Army Ammunition Activity (CAAA).
- $55 million for the Indiana Army National Guard in Shelbyville for an Aircraft Maintenance Hangar.
- $18 million for the Indiana Air National Guard in Fort Wayne for the design and construction of a new F-16 mission training facility.
Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs)
- $250 million for Marine Corps procurement of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) made in Mishawaka, Indiana and built using suppliers throughout the state.
Nuclear Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM-N)
- $320 million for the new SLCM-N missile program, closely tied to NSWC Crane.
Sonobuoys
- $250 million for the procurement of Navy sonobuoys, made in Columbia City.
Artificial Intelligence Research at Trine University
- $5 million for the Artificial Intelligence and Maritime Maneuvering (AIMM) program that will test and prototype autonomous naval vessels.
Trusted and Assured Microelectronics
- $512 million for secure DOD microelectronics, work heavily tied to NSWC Crane.
TITAN Tactical Intelligence Vehicles
- $236 million for TITAN procurement, partially made in Mishawaka.
Abrams Upgrade Program
- $740 million for tank modernization, using transmissions made in Indianapolis.
Muscatatuck Urban Training Center
- Requires DOD to reassess how it handles cyber test and cyber training ranges, due to inconsistent past DOD funding for the cyber training range operated by the Indiana National Guard at Muscatatuck.
Golden Dome Satellites
- Requires a plan to field enough Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) satellites, made in Fort Wayne, for full Golden Dome sensor coverage.
Shipbuilding Industrial Base Study
- Requires DOD to analyze how to move production of ship components from our coasts to other parts of the country to include Indiana and the Midwest.
Background:
The National Defense Authorization Act is U.S. federal law that authorizes annual funding for the Department of Defense and sets policies and priorities.