Thales, a global leader in air traffic management, has signed an agreement with NASA that will lead to more growth at the UAS Test Site at Griffiss International Airport in Rome.

Thales will work with NASA to support efforts to establish a UAS traffic management system in the United States.

The agreement will create nearly 30 high-tech jobs.

Senator Charles Schumer says the agreement will help the Test Site continue its important work and keep the Mohawk Valley at the forefront of the emerging UAS industry.

“We applaud Senator Schumer for helping us bring high-technology jobs in unmanned aerial systems integration capabilities to New York through an agreement with NASA,” said Alan Pellegrini, CEO, Thales USA. “Thales supports technology innovation across New York, including advanced rail signaling, airport security, and airline passenger experience capabilities, and this agreement enables us to further leverage our strengths in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence to advance a UTM concept for NASA.”

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney's office says she met several times with both Thales and NASA to work on the agreement.

''It’s been a privilege to partner with NASA and Thales to secure a contract that will bring high-tech jobs here to the Mohawk Valley. Thales’ presence in our area will further secure our standing as a vital player in developing defense technology and unmanned aerial capabilities. The Mohawk Valley has the talent and workforce ready to fill these positions.  I look forward to continuing to work alongside Thales and NASA as they continue to innovate and lead in defense technology,” Tenney said.

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