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, 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.
PHOENIX, AZ (March 16, 2026) — Building on record international activity and investment – leaders in Southern Arizona and Southern Taiwan signed a Six-Party Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Friday, March 13 during a signing ceremony in Tucson, Arizona to deepen collaboration across the global semiconductor ecosystem while advancing joint research and workforce development in optics, photonics, and advanced manufacturing technologies. The agreement brings together government, economic development, and academic partners from both regions, including the Arizona Commerce Authority, Pima County, City of Tucson, the University of Arizona, Kaohsiung City Government (Taiwan), and National Sun Yat-sen University
READ MORE about Southern Arizona and Southern Taiwan Leaders Sign MOU to Advance Semiconductor, Optics, and Photonics Collaboration »PHOENIX, AZ (March 12, 2026) — To further strengthen international partnerships with Taiwan and Japan – two of Arizona’s top trading partners – the State of Arizona, the City of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan signed a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen economic collaboration and advance partnerships in semiconductors, talent development, research and development, and global supply chain integration. The MOU was signed during a ceremony by Governor Katie Hobbs and Mayor Chen Chi-Mai of Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, Deputy Mayor of Kaohsiung Ta-Sheng Lo, and Vice Governor Shingi Takeuchi of Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan were witnesses to the MOU signing ceremony.
READ MORE about Arizona, Taiwan, and Japan Sign MOU To Strengthen Semiconductor, Workforce Development and Supply Chain Collaboration »