Owego Lockheed Martin gets $400M in federal funding to build rescue helos

OWEGO, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Lockheed Martin plant in Owego has received $400 million in federal funding to support its Combat Rescue Helicopter program, according to Senator Chuck Schumer, a Democrat.

The program, which was outlined in the 2024 Defense Appropriations bill, orders 10 Combat Rescue Helicopters from the factory. Schumer said the program was on the chopping block in this year's bill, but says efforts by him saved the funding.

“I have always delivered for Lockheed Martin, and was the champion to protect the $400 million Combat Rescue Helicopters program which supports so many of our workers. Now our Southern Tier workers will be helping create the helicopters that keep our troops safe," said Schumer. "It is a win for America, a win for our workers, and a win for the Southern Tier."

During a visit to the Lockheed Martin plant Tuesday, Schumer also announced that $10 million in additional funding will go towards a new MH-60R Seahawk helicopter program partnership with Intel, to bolster the Navy's electronic warfare system. The new technology will improve the helos capability to execute search and rescue missions, evacuations and relay communications.

Lockheed Martin's Owego facility employs around 2,500 people.