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
Lightcast, 2025
Largest Guided Missile & Space Vehicle Manufacturing Employment
Lightcast, 2025
Aerospace Manufacturing
Business Facilities, 2025
Largest A&D Manufacturing Employment
Lightcast, 2025
Concentration for Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
Lightcast, 2025
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.
GRAHAM COUNTY, AZ (June 5, 2026) – The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), alongside Valley TeleCom Group and Graham County leadership celebrated a milestone for connecting rural communities in Arizona with the launch of the county’s new fiber-internet network at an event held on June 1, 2026. Supported by a $4.8 million investment through the ACA’s Arizona Broadband Development Grant program, the 65-mile project will deliver high‑speed internet to 440 homes and businesses across Bryce, Eden, and Fort Thomas communities located in Graham County. Construction is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2026.
READ MORE about ACA And Valley TeleCom Group Celebrate Broadband Launch In Graham County »TEMPE, AZ (May 27, 2026) – Government, industry, and workforce leaders gathered today to announce a major new initiative to strengthen microelectronics talent pipelines across the Southwest. At a press event at JA BizTown, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), in partnership with the National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME), SEMI Foundation, and the National Science Foundation (NSF), announced the designation of NNME Southwest as an official NNME Regional Node—one of the nation’s anchor hubs for semiconductor workforce development. Convened by the Arizona Commerce Authority, NNME Southwest brings together 47 members across five states—Arizona, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Southern California—to build a regionally anchored, nationally scalable workforce system.
READ MORE about ACA, National Network for Microelectronics Education, SEMI Foundation and Regional Partners Announce NNME Southwest Regional Node »