Memphis Standard

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee announced significant achievements for her state in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation, which recently passed the Senate and is expected to be signed into law soon, addresses national security concerns and supports military personnel.

Senator Blackburn emphasized the importance of this year's defense bill in countering threats from nations like China, Iran, and Russia. "In the face of formidable threats from Communist China, Iran, and Russia, this year’s national defense bill will help safeguard U.S. national security and support our men and women in uniform," she stated. She highlighted that Tennessee hosts a large number of active-duty service members who will benefit from enhanced defense capabilities, technological advancements, and strengthened cybersecurity.

Key priorities for Tennessee included in the NDAA are diverse. They range from supporting the Pathfinder Program at Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee to developing advanced materials for hypersonic vehicles at Arnold Air Force Base. Other initiatives include modernization efforts at Holston Army Ammunition Plant and continued construction of the Uranium Processing Facility at Y-12 National Security Complex.

The bill also backs Unmanned Aerial Systems test capabilities through partnerships involving the University of Memphis. Advanced materials manufacturing research will continue with collaborations between institutions like the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Army Research Lab, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Additionally, the Nonproliferation Stewardship Program aims to develop nuclear expertise via Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Y-12 National Security Complex. A classified additive manufacturing partnership between Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Air Force Research Laboratory is set to advance future Air Force assets.

Research into cybersecurity for autonomous vehicles is also supported by projects at Tennessee Tech University.