SHREVEPORT, La. — Biomedical Research Foundation announced it has secured $86.1 million in newly directed federal funding, in partnership with Louisiana’s congressional delegation, to support Air Force Global Strike Command headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base in North Louisiana.
The funding will enable Air Force Global Strike Command, or AFGSC, to advance priority innovation, technology and modernization initiatives tied to its national security mission.
With the latest allocation, BRF’s collaboration with Louisiana’s congressional delegation has helped direct approximately $180 million in federal funding to support AFGSC since 2020.
Air Force Global Strike Command oversees the nation’s intercontinental ballistic missile wings and the Air Force’s bomber fleet, including the B-52 and the B-21 Long-Range Strike Bomber program. The command also manages the Air Force’s Nuclear Command, Control and Communications systems and provides operational and maintenance support to organizations across the nuclear enterprise.
“Global Strike Command and Barksdale Air Force Base are critical to our nation’s security and critical to the economic vitality of North Louisiana,” said John F. George Jr., president and CEO of BRF. “We thank Louisiana’s congressional delegation for their continued support of the AFGSC mission, our base, and the men and women of the U.S. Air Force. With this additional $86.1 million, AFGSC will be further positioned to modernize capabilities that meet strategic needs and operational requirements worldwide.”
Barksdale Air Force Base is the largest employer in the Shreveport-Bossier City area and remains a central driver of the regional economy. The base’s latest Economic Impact Statement reports a total economic impact exceeding $1 billion for fiscal year 2024.
BRF said its defense-focused initiatives aim to build a regional defense industry cluster in North Louisiana by supporting efforts that address key AFGSC technology challenges while strengthening long-term economic development in the region and state.
The organization emphasized that it is not the recipient of the federal funding. Air Force Global Strike Command will directly receive the $86.1 million allocation.
BRF is a Shreveport-based economic development organization focused on advancing North Louisiana through innovation, entrepreneurship, workforce development and strategic initiatives designed to enhance regional economic competitiveness.