PHOENIX, AZ (June 17, 2025) – As the Paris Air Show kicks off, Arizona’s premier aerospace and defense (A&D) attractiveness is once again on the global stage. Home to some of the world’s largest A&D companies, innovative startups, and next-generation technologies and manufacturing, Arizona is at the forefront of the aerospace and defense industry.

A magnet for world-class A&D operations

Over the last five years, Arizona has attracted more than 60 expansions in the aerospace and defense sector, representing over $2.8 billion in investment and over 12,500 new jobs. Notable announcements include Gulfstream, MHIRJ Aviation, Setnix, Ascent Aviation Services, Unical Aviation, BlackStar Orbital, and more.

Arizona boasts a diverse supply chain of more than 1,250 A&D companies that include industry leaders such as Raytheon, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Honeywell Aerospace, Virgin Galactic, Bombardier, Blue Origin, and Nammo.

Arizona’s companies and leading talent are advancing cutting-edge technologies used around the globe. Recently, Raytheon won a new $1.1 billion contract from the U.S. Navy to produce advanced missiles, the largest award for the program which will increase production to 2,500 missiles per year. Rocket Lab, an aerospace manufacturer and launch services provider, announced the acquisition of Tucson-based manufacturer Geost for $275 million, and Virgin Galactic announced the completion of its next-generation Delta spaceship manufacturing facility in Mesa. In April, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies announced a $1 billion partnership expansion with Vertical Aerospace to help bring electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL), known as air taxis, to market.

“Aerospace and defense continues to be one of Arizona’s fastest-growing industries, with immense opportunity ahead,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “We’re strategically focused on aerospace and defense, working alongside our industry and ecosystem partners to enhance our competitiveness, pioneer new training programs, and plan for future growth.”

Read more about Arizona’s industry presence from the Phoenix Business Journal.

A leader for A&D attractiveness and investment

Arizona is ranked No. 1 for concentration of guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing in the nation by Lightcast, and ranks third in the U.S. for aerospace manufacturing attractiveness, highlighting the state’s leadership in aerospace innovation and investments in A&D technology and workforce development. The state is also ranked top 5 in the nation for the largest A&D manufacturing employment, according to Lightcast.

Strengthening Arizona’s A&D workforce

Earlier this year, Arizona launched an Aerospace and Defense-focused Future48 Workforce Accelerator. A partnership between Governor Hobbs, the ACA, Maricopa Community Colleges, Boeing, and Honeywell Aerospace, the Accelerator will provide hands-on training to prepare students for in-demand careers in aerospace and defense manufacturing.

In addition, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott is the largest fully accredited, aviation- and aerospace-focused university in the world. The school is an all-encompassing hub where students can learn to fly, engineer, and manage the business behind aviation. 

Pima Community College in Tucson is home to Centers of Excellence that provide high-tech training in growing industries. The Aviation Technology Center at the Tucson International Airport provides hands-on training on commercial and regional jets, training Southern Arizona’s workforce for aviation careers.

Learn more about Arizona’s aerospace and defense strengths HERE.

Media Contact

Alyssa Tufts, Arizona Commerce Authority, [email protected]

About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X @azcommerce.