Aerospace & Defense
AT THE FOREFRONT OF AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE
As the home to industry giants leading in aircraft testing and development, 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.
Lightcast, 2024
Lightcast, 2024
Business Facilities Magazine, 2023
Lightcast, 2024
$12.6 billion
Department of Defense
Contracts
in Fiscal Year 2022
STRATEGIC U.S. MILITARY INSTALLATIONS
$3 billion
Optics industry
OPTICS VALLEY
EDUCATING
THE FUTURE
cutting-edge research and
world-class programs, developing
a highly skilled workforce.
A&D INTERACTIVE
DATABASE
ARIZONA SUCCESS STORIES
Our mission is to create innovative solutions to make the world a safer place, and Arizona provides both the talent and the environment that enables us to continue to grow and achieve that mission.
Wes Kremer, President
Raytheon Missiles & Defense
Arizona is proud to provide a platform for pioneers like Raytheon Missiles & Defense to grow and thrive. With nearly 13,000 employees and a statewide network of more than 500 suppliers, the high-tech powerhouse contributes $2.6 billion annually to the state’s economy, an impact that has grown by more than $500 million in the last three years. 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.
BlackStar Orbital Announces Spacecraft Manufacturing And Test Facility In Sierra Vista
SIERRA VISTA, AZ (January 31, 2024) – BlackStar Orbital Technologies Corporation, headquartered on the Florida space coast, today announced the establishment of a new engineering and manufacturing facility in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Located at Sierra Vista Municipal Airport, the facility is set to be operational by 2026. This facility is poised to be a cornerstone for the development and production of the BlackStar Spacecraft, the company's innovative spaceplane-satellite hybrid. The Sierra Vista facility represents a $7.1 million investment, creating over 50 new jobs with dedicated hangar space for the BlackStar SpaceDrone.
Ascent Aviation Services And Israel Aerospace Industries Sign Agreement To Establish New Aircraft Conversion Site In Marana
MARANA, AZ (September 26, 2023) – Marana Aerospace Solutions (Ascent Aviation Services) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have signed a long-term agreement to establish a conversion site and carry out passenger-to-freighter conversions on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. IAI plans to have Ascent convert two lines of Boeing B777-300ER aircraft, starting in 2024 in Ascent’s facilities located in Marana, Arizona. To support the program, Ascent will build two new widebody hangars with pre-construction work having already commenced. Ascent's expansion will create hundreds of new jobs.