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Maryland is among the top states for overall defense spending, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Defense.

When comparing the spending from federal fiscal year 2019 to 2020, Maryland increased by more than $4 billion, totaling approximately $30.4 billion for the year.

Since Maryland is a leader in research, development, test and evaluation activities, the state benefitted from a $9.2 billion increase in funding for those activities in the Department of Defense’s FY2020 budget.

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Other notable increases include Maryland ranking fifth among the states for contracts awarded to defense contractors (totaling $22.4 billion), and, the state ranking eighth for total defense personnel with 95,491 workers.

“This report confirms Maryland’s status as a powerhouse of the defense industry. Our leading military installations and thriving community of innovative defense contractors attracted this increased federal funding and continue to fuel economic growth across the state,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz.