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.
CASA GRANDE, AZ (December 22, 2025) — KPPC Advanced Chemicals Inc., a member of the Kanto Group, broke ground on December 19 on its new U.S. Arizona Plant (UAP), a next-generation ultrapure chemical manufacturing campus located at the Sonoran Valley Industrial Park in Casa Grande, Arizona. The $120 million investment marks a major step forward in strengthening the United States semiconductor supply chain and expanding domestic production of ultra high-purity chemicals required for leading-edge chip manufacturing. Phase 1 of the project will create approximately 80 highly skilled jobs, growing to 200 full-time positions at full build-out.
READ MORE about KPPC Advanced Chemicals Breaks Ground On U.S. Ultrapure Chemical Manufacturing Campus In Casa Grande »NEW YORK & PHOENIX (December 11, 2025) — Coinciding with the 2026 Under 30 List Launch event in New York, Forbes announced that Phoenix, Arizona will become the official host city for the Forbes Under 30 Summit beginning in 2026, marking the start of a new multi-year chapter for the global gathering of young leaders, founders and innovators. The move signals an expanded vision for the Summit rooted in growth, ambition and impact, and reflects Forbes’ commitment to elevating the next generation of entrepreneurs while supporting the long-term momentum of a city rapidly becoming an engine for innovation in the United States. The 2026 Summit will take place April 19-22 in locations throughout Phoenix and will be in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority.
READ MORE about Forbes Under 30 Summit Names Phoenix, Arizona As Host City For 2026–2028 »