MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. — Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ-07) joined U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll for a visit to Picatinny Arsenal, where the two received briefings on the installation’s expanding role in Army modernization and national defense.
During the tour, Secretary Driscoll and Kean were shown the latest advancements in counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technology and next-generation munitions. Base personnel demonstrated emerging capabilities including net-based drone capture systems, enhanced explosives, and electromagnetic tools integrated with defense platforms.
Secretary Driscoll, along with Picatinny’s commanding officer, Maj. Gen. John Reim, also held discussions on accelerating the Army’s drone acquisition and production efforts.
As part of the visit, Driscoll recognized members of Picatinny’s military and civilian workforce, presenting several challenge coins and acknowledging the installation’s continued contributions to U.S. military readiness.
“I want to thank Secretary Driscoll for his leadership and commitment to strengthening America’s security,” said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. “During our visit to Picatinny Arsenal, we met with the installation’s exceptional workforce whose innovation ensures our military remains the envy of the world. Picatinny continues to step up, delivering groundbreaking technology that directly supports our servicemembers on the battlefield. The talent and expertise here cannot be overstated, and I will always support Picatinny, its workforce, and its mission.”
The visit comes shortly after Kean and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) sent a joint letter to Driscoll supporting the Army’s proposal to create a Close Combat Innovation Cell (CCIC), partnering Picatinny Arsenal with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, N.Y. The CCIC would focus on developing systems designed to perform reliably in complex battlefield environments.
Among the first projects outlined is Project STARLING, aimed at producing up to 100 3D-printed small unmanned aerial systems for use within an infantry brigade combat team. The initiative would allow Picatinny and Fort Drum to fabricate sUAS platforms and develop swarm capabilities with integrated lethality.
Kean and Stefanik have also pushed for Congress to allocate $20 million toward counter-UAS development as part of a recent reconciliation package. Counter-UAS innovation remains a core mission of Picatinny’s research and development programs.
