Aerospace & Defense
AT THE FOREFRONT OF AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE
As the home to industry giants leading in aircraft testing and development, 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
Fastest Growing Optics & Photonics Manufacturing Employment
Aerospace & Defense Leader
Largest Employment in A&D Manufacturing
$12.6 billion
Department of Defense
Contracts
in Fiscal Year 2022
STRATEGIC U.S. MILITARY INSTALLATIONS
$3 billion
Optics industry
OPTICS VALLEY
EDUCATING
THE FUTURE
cutting-edge research and
world-class programs, developing
a highly skilled workforce.
A&D INTERACTIVE
DATABASE
ARIZONA SUCCESS STORIES
Our mission is to create innovative solutions to make the world a safer place, and Arizona provides both the talent and the environment that enables us to continue to grow and achieve that mission.
Wes Kremer, President
Raytheon Missiles & Defense
Arizona is proud to provide a platform for pioneers like Raytheon Missiles & Defense to grow and thrive. With nearly 13,000 employees and a statewide network of more than 500 suppliers, the high-tech powerhouse contributes $2.6 billion annually to the state’s economy, an impact that has grown by more than $500 million in the last three years. 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.
Setnix, A Setna.iO Company, Announces Major Expansion In Tempe
TEMPE, AZ (August 6, 2024) – Setna iO, a global aftermarket aircraft part supplier, and its sister company Setnix, a premier MRO repair station, today announced the expansion of its aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul operations with the acquisition of a new facility in Tempe, Arizona. The newly acquired facility in Tempe spans 112,000-square-feet – over three times the size of the previous 30,000-square-foot location. The new facility will enable Setna iO and Setnix to expand its operations and equipment from 44 served product lines to over 100 within a year, including main engine services. The expansion is set to create more than 130 new jobs and is expected to be fully operational in 2025.
Ascent Aviation Services Pinal Airpark Groundbreaking
MARANA, AZ (March 29, 2024) – Ascent Aviation Services, one of the largest independent aircraft aftermarket services providers in the world, broke ground today at Pinal Airpark in Marana, Arizona, on two new wide-body aircraft hangars to establish a North American conversion site to carry out passenger-to-freighter conversions and heavy maintenance. Representing a capital investment of $55 million, the site will support more than 300 new aviation jobs. Upon completion, the Marana operation will convert two lines of Boeing B777-300ER aircraft for Israel Aerospace Industries.