Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley is among the dignitaries expected to be on hand today when for an announcement of 75 new jobs at the South Alabama Regional Airport.

The Airport and Authority and Covington County Economic Development Commission will host the ceremony for DRS Technologies, which has leased the twin hangars at the airport.

The company, whose American operations are headquartered in New Jersey, has facilities in 23 states, including Huntsville, Ala. The company’s focus is defense technology, and it develops, manufactures and supports a broad range of systems for the military and Homeland Security, according to its web site.

In Alabama, DRS will work on C130s.

The deal has been in the works since late last year. Locals active in economic development first met with DRS officials at the 2011 Paris Air Show.

In alluding to the coming announcement, Mayor Earl Johnson has said the company will add 75 jobs in the local economy in its first two years.

The ceremony is set for 10:30 a.m. Also expected are U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, state Sen. Jimmy Holley and state Rep. Mike Jones.