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
Concentration for Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
Lightcast, 2026
Largest Production Occupations Job Growth
Lightcast, 2025
Largest Guided Missile & Space Vehicle Manufacturing Employment
Lightcast, 2026
Aerospace Manufacturing
Business Facilities, 2026
Largest A&D Manufacturing Employment
Lightcast, 2026
Concentration for Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
Lightcast, 2026
Department of Defense
Contracts
in Fiscal Year 2026
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 (October 29, 2026) – After a record-setting debut in April, AZ Tech Week will return March 1–7, 2027, and now is the time to get involved. The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) today announced it is accepting event submissions for AZ Tech Week – Arizona's largest decentralized, statewide tech conference. Organizations, companies, universities, investors, startups, and community partners interested in hosting an event during AZ Tech Week 2027 are encouraged to submit an event application through the Host An Event form.
READ MORE about Arizona Commerce Authority Opens Event Submissions For AZ Tech Week 2027 »FLAGSTAFF, AZ (October 19, 2026) — Northern Arizona University (NAU), officially opened its new Microelectronics Processing and Characterization Testing (MPaCT) Lab with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 17, marking a major step in the university’s efforts to support Arizona’s rapidly growing semiconductor industry. NAU President Dr. José Luis Cruz Rivera celebrated the opening of the lab alongside Dr. Charles Chadwell, Dean of NAU’s Steve Sanghi College of Engineering; Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) and other leaders. The $8 million MPaCT Lab is supported by a total $13 million investment from the ACA to advance semiconductor training, research and equipment.
READ MORE about NAU Opens New MPaCT Lab, Expanding Arizona’s Semiconductor Research and Workforce Capabilities »