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Aerospace & Defense

AT THE FOREFRONT OF AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE

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.

AND MANY MORE

 

 

INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS

#1

Concentration for Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing

Lightcast, 2025

#1

Largest Production Occupations Job Growth 

Lightcast, 2025

TOP 2

Largest Guided Missile & Space Vehicle Manufacturing Employment

Lightcast, 2025

TOP 3

Aerospace Manufacturing 

Business Facilities, 2025

TOP 5

Largest A&D Manufacturing Employment

Lightcast, 2025

TOP 5

Concentration for Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

Lightcast, 2025

$19.5 BILLION

Department of Defense
Contracts
in Fiscal Year 2025

STRATEGIC U.S. MILITARY INSTALLATIONS
Arizona’s strong military presence is vital to the state’s private A&D industry, with six major military installations and four National Guard operations across the state.
$4 BILLION

Optics industry

OPTICS VALLEY
Optics and photonics have long been a key piece of modern innovation, and Optics Valley in the Tucson region is a hub for developing and producing some of the largest, most advanced telescope mirrors.

Arizona Launches the Office of Defense Innovation (ODI)

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. 

A&D INTERACTIVE DATABASE

Search more than 1,250 Arizona companies in the aerospace and defense supply chain by size, industry, certification, and products and services.
SEARCH THE DATABASE

ARIZONA SUCCESS STORIES


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

Hadrian logo

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.

Arizona offers programs designed to

ENHANCE THE SUCCESS OF A&D COMPANIES

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Doing business in Arizona
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ARIZONA AEROSPACE & DEFENSE NEWS & EVENTS

8/3/2026
Kimberly-Clark Corporation Selects Yuma For New Alternative Natural Fiber Pilot Facility

YUMA, AZ (August 3, 2026) — The Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation (GYEDC), in partnership with the City of Yuma and the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), is proud to announce that Kimberly-Clark Corporation is building one of its newest U.S. facilities in Yuma, Arizona, a 50,000-square-foot pilot facility representing a capital investment of over $100 million. The project is well under construction and expected to create 50 full-time jobs, further strengthening the region’s advanced manufacturing and sustainable industry base. 

READ MORE about Kimberly-Clark Corporation Selects Yuma For New Alternative Natural Fiber Pilot Facility »
7/30/2026
SEMICON West Names Arizona Its Long-Term Home

PHOENIX, AZ (July 30, 2026) — SEMI, the global industry association serving the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, today announced that Arizona will become the long-term home of SEMICON West, with a new annual spring schedule beginning March 30–April 1, 2027, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. SEMICON West made a record-setting debut in Arizona last fall, with a 60% surge in registrations and nearly 50% more exhibitors, making it the most widely attended SEMICON West in nearly 20 years.   

READ MORE about SEMICON West Names Arizona Its Long-Term Home »
ALL NEWS & EVENTS