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.
Concentration for Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
Lightcast, 2024
Largest Optics & Photonics Manufacturing Job Growth
Lightcast, 2024
Largest 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 (November 6, 2025) – RoviSys, a leading provider of automation and information solutions, yesterday celebrated the opening of its new over 9,000-square-foot office located in Tempe, Arizona. The Arizona office represents a key expansion of North American operations for RoviSys and will support up to 100 new jobs over the next several years. RoviSys & RoviSys Building Technologies provide automation and information solutions to support a variety of industries including biotechnology, life sciences, data centers, semiconductors, energy, and more. The Tempe office enhances the company’s ability to deliver specialized solutions to these expanding markets with an immediate focus on data center sector opportunities and a long-term strategy for growth in life sciences and semiconductor manufacturing.
READ MORE about RoviSys Celebrates Opening Of New Office In Tempe »PHOENIX, AZ (October 31, 2025) — Manufacturing Month 2025 marked a milestone moment for Arizona, showcasing the state’s rapid rise as a national leader in advanced manufacturing. From record-breaking events and major investments to new partnerships and workforce expansions, Arizona’s manufacturing ecosystem was on full display. Arizona continues to outpace the nation in manufacturing growth with a 10% increase in manufacturing employment from 2019 to 2024 — more than 10x the national average. In October, Arizona hosted SEMICON West for the first time, drawing thousands of global tech leaders and setting new attendance records — a 60% increase in registrations and nearly 50% more exhibitors. The event reinforced Arizona’s position as North America’s Semiconductor Headquarters.
READ MORE about Manufacturing Momentum: Arizona’s Historic October »