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, 2025
Largest Production Occupations Job Growth
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Largest Guided Missile & Space Vehicle Manufacturing Employment
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Aerospace Manufacturing
Business Facilities, 2025
Largest A&D Manufacturing Employment
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Concentration for Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
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Department of Defense
Contracts
in Fiscal Year 2025
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.
ELOY, AZ (September 17, 2026) — The City of Eloy celebrated the ribbon cutting of Freeberg Industrial Fabrication's new 160,000-square-foot manufacturing facility on Wednesday, September 16, a site that more than doubles the company’s total footprint. At the new site, Freeberg will assemble reciprocating engine power generation packages and other large-scale electro-mechanical systems. The company has already hired 40 employees at its Eloy facility and expects to reach about 75 by the end of 2026 and 200 by the end of 2027.
READ MORE about Freeberg Industrial Fabrication Celebrates Grand Opening Of Manufacturing Facility In Eloy »MESA, AZ (September 9, 2026) - Cyclic Materials, an advanced recycling company creating a circular supply chain for rare earth elements and other critical materials, today celebrated the grand opening of its first commercial-scale rare earth magnet recycling facility in Mesa, Arizona, marking a major milestone in building America’s domestic supply of rare earths and critical minerals. Representing an over $30 million investment, the facility is expected to create more than 25 new jobs initially.
READ MORE about Cyclic Materials Celebrates Grand Opening Of Commercial-Scale Rare Earth Magnet Recycling Facility In Mesa »