Oklahoma State University (OSU) through University Multispectral Laboratories (UML) will create 90 jobs in the next five years after receiving a $44 million U. S. Navy contract to test and design unmanned aerial systems.

The state's Economic Development Generating Excellence (EDGE) program extended UML a $1.5 million contract last year to research, design, test, and produce these systems.

"This contract is a validation of the vision and investment by our state through the EDGE program, the UML, and OSU to establish Oklahoma as a significant unmanned aerial systems (UAS) service and products provider to our government and commercial enterprises alike," said Ken Viera, associate laboratory director for the UML.

The work will be done at OSU's Stillwater campus in Ponca City, Oklahoma, and at UML sites in Lawton.