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.
TEMPE, AZ (December 3, 2025) – Cognite, the global leader in Industrial AI, today announced the official grand opening of its new global headquarters in Tempe, Arizona. The relocation from Oslo, Norway, marks a milestone in the company's growth strategy and underscores its commitment to the North American market. The move will create more than 100 new jobs in the Phoenix area, bringing valuable employment opportunities across AI innovation, software engineering, marketing, sales and corporate functions. With its proximity to universities and tech ecosystem, the strategic location will help the company attract even more of the best talent from AI, cloud, data and industrial engineering. Several senior leaders at Cognite relocated from Norway and to Arizona to lead operations from the new facility, ensuring continuity of the company's vision and expertise.
READ MORE about Cognite Relocates Global Headquarters To Arizona And Celebrates Grand Opening In Tempe »PHOENIX, AZ (December 3, 2025) – Today, Governor Katie Hobbs announced a critical milestone in Arizona’s plan to invest $967 million to expand broadband infrastructure across the state. Arizona received final approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), paving the way for the project’s implementation. Arizona's Broadband Equity, Access & Deployment Program (BEAD) Program is the state's largest-ever broadband investment, furthering Governor Hobbs’ goal of ensuring reliable, high-speed internet connection for all Arizonans by 2030 through her ConnectAllAZ initiative. Arizona’s BEAD plan leverages significant private investment and represents a mix of technologies that reflect Arizona’s uniquely varied geography.
READ MORE about Governor Hobbs Announces Advancement of Historic Broadband Expansion »