I don't know if this distinction existed at the time, but are you talking about the state, as in the state of Connecticut, New Hampshire, etc.; or the state, as in the government?
It's a state constitution, and a couple of the other 13 original states used the term "defense of the state," so I believe "state" meant "state," not "federal" government and populace. For example, the Pennsylvania state constitution of 1776 included the following for the RKBA:
XIII. That the people have a right to bear arms for the defence of themselves and the state; and as standing armies in the time of peace are dangerous to liberty, they ought not to be kept up; And that the military should be kept under strict subordination to, and governed by, the civil power.
Note the difference between PA and MA. PA recognizes the RKBA for denese of the the self as well as of the state -- MA recognizes it ONLY for defense of the state.