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, 2026
Largest Production Occupations Job Growth
Lightcast, 2025
Largest Guided Missile & Space Vehicle Manufacturing Employment
Lightcast, 2026
Aerospace Manufacturing
Business Facilities, 2026
Largest A&D Manufacturing Employment
Lightcast, 2026
Concentration for Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
Lightcast, 2026
Department of Defense
Contracts
in Fiscal Year 2026
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.
PARKER, AZ (October 13, 2026) — Arizona's broadband expansion efforts reached a new milestone in connecting residents, businesses and community institutions with high-speed, reliable internet. Wecom Fiber, alongside the Arizona Commerce Authority, Town of Parker and the Parker Regional Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, today celebrated the ceremonial ribbon cutting marking completion of the Arizona Broadband Development Grant project — a multi-year build spanning Mohave and La Paz counties, with the Town of Parker as its final segment.
READ MORE about Wecom Fiber, Arizona Commerce Authority and Local Partners Celebrate Ribbon Cutting of Broadband Project In Town Of Parker »PHOENIX, AZ (October 8, 2026) – Mercury Systems, Inc., a global leader in aerospace and defense electronics, today celebrated the expansion of its Phoenix production facility, adding 50,000-square-feet of manufacturing space that allows the company to increase production capacity and accelerate delivery timelines through vertical integration to support critical U.S. and international defense programs. The company has invested to build out a new, highly automated manufacturing facility on the company’s existing Phoenix campus, which is expected to create more than 50 jobs in the next year, with significant capacity for future growth.
READ MORE about Mercury Systems Celebrates Expansion Of Production Facility In Phoenix »