Home to some of the world's largest aerospace and defense companies, innovative startups, and next-generation technologies and manufacturing, Arizona is at the forefront of the aerospace & defense industry. With more than 300 days of sunshine annually, a longstanding commitment to supporting the U.S. military and a business-friendly environment, top companies come to Arizona to develop advanced solutions and drive innovation.
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Concentration for Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
Lightcast, 2024
Largest Optics & Photonics Manufacturing Job Growth
Lightcast, 2024
Largest Guided Missile & Space Vehicle Manufacturing Employment
Lightcast, 2024
Aerospace Manufacturing Attractiveness
PwC, 2025
Largest A&D Manufacturing Employment
Lightcast, 2024
Concentration for Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
Lightcast, 2024
Department of Defense
Contracts
in Fiscal Year 2023
Optics industry
The Arizona Commerce Authority, in partnership with the Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (SW MAC) announced the launch the Arizona Office of Defense Innovation (ODI), a new public-private partnership that will expand Arizona's aerospace and defense leadership. The strategic initiative will advance emerging dual-use technology and support the growth of Department of Defense (DoD) missions within the state.
Arizona's been great to work with on the practical stuff like permitting, workforce, getting energy connected to the building -- all the basic things that are harder to do in some states. We're really happy to expand into Arizona.
Chris Power, Founder and CEO
Hadrian
Arizona is proud to provide a platform for innovation powerhouses like Hadrian to grow and thrive. The advanced manufacturer announced plans to establish a 270,000-square-foot large-scale AI-powered manufacturing and software hub, representing a $200 million investment. Arizona’s top talent, commitment to keeping taxes low and regulation light, and strategic geographic location have earned the state a reputation as a leading hub for advanced manufacturing.
PHOENIX, AZ (December 10, 2025) — Arizona continues to experience robust population growth, fueling gains in both the labor force and the broader economy. According to newly released estimates from the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, Arizona added 97,044 residents between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, representing a growth rate of 1.2%. Arizona’s continued growth underscores its appeal as a destination for talent, opportunity, and innovation. Between 2023 and 2024, Maricopa County ranked no. 1 in the U.S. for net migration (U.S. Census). Since 2011, Arizona has added nearly 1.3 million people, a growth rate of 20%. Between 2024 and 2025, Arizona added on average 266 people per day.
READ MORE about BREAKING: Arizona Adds 97,044 Residents Over the Past Year »MARANA, AZ (December 8, 2025) – Ascent Aviation Services (“Ascent”) announced today the grand opening of two new 90,000-square-feet widebody maintenance hangars at their Pinal Air Park (MZJ) facility in Marana, Arizona. The $70 million investment will elevate the facility in Marana and increase its hangar capacity by 200%, allowing the company to tackle more heavy maintenance. Additionally, it will pave the way to support the ongoing commercial relationship with Israel Aerospace Industries (“IAI”) and with their B777- 300ER passenger-to-freighter (“P2F”) conversion program, in which the STC was issued in August of 2025 by the FAA. The facility will support over 300 skilled aviation jobs.
READ MORE about Ascent Aviation Services Celebrates Grand Opening Of Two New Wide-Body Aircraft Hangars In Marana »