Fires Innovation Science and Technology Accelerator also known as FISTA had a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday morning.
Several Oklahoma legislators attended the ribbon cutting in Lawton and talked about how this will impact Oklahoma, America, and the U.S. Military.
Congressman Tom Cole says on a national level, this will mean a stronger defense for the U.S. Military.
“Well, frankly it means a strong defense and we’re seeing honestly the capability of American weapon system right now in Ukraine in an unprecedented way.”
Representative Cole also talked about Ukrainian soldiers on Fort Sill and how American equipment has helped Ukrainian soldiers.
“Our equipment has made an incredible difference on the battlefield with everything from javelins that have decimated Russian tanks to PATRIOTS that are now being deployed and frankly Ukrainians trained right here at Fort Sill to try and protect their air space.”
Senator MarkWayne Mullin says FISTA will help Oklahoma lead in innovation.
“I mean you look at what’s happening with FISTA and literally leading in innovation when it comes to military defense, we get to set the gold standard for the rest of the country.”
FISTA is expected to create 150 – 225 direct $100,000 dollar per year jobs in the first 2 years along with increased investment in community STEM education and workforce development.