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, 2024
Largest Optics & Photonics Manufacturing Job Growth
Lightcast, 2024
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.
PHOENIX, AZ (November 20, 2025) – Eight cutting-edge, defense-focused research and development projects have been selected for funding through the Regents Grant program, the result of a partnership between the Arizona Board of Regents and the recently established Arizona Office of Defense Innovation (ODI). This collaboration, designed to leverage federal investments in applied research, focuses on fostering dual-use innovations – supporting both commercial and national security markets – that strengthen Arizona’s tech ecosystem and national security capabilities. Each project will receive $90,000 to support technology validation, mentorship, and targeted commercialization training.
READ MORE about Eight Defense-Focused Research Projects Awarded Regents Grants »PHOENIX, AZ (November 20, 2025) – ASML, a leading supplier to the semiconductor industry, held an inauguration ceremony today for its U.S. Technical Training Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Customers, government officials including Governor Katie Hobbs, and dignitaries joined ASML executives to celebrate the facility, which began training engineers in 2024. Now fully operational, ASML anticipates the 56,000-square-foot facility will train more than 1,000 engineers annually. The new center in Phoenix is the only ASML facility in the U.S. with the capability to train engineers across all product lines: EUV, DUV and Applications (metrology and inspection systems that quickly and accurately measure pattern quality).
READ MORE about ASML Unveils Technical Academy In Phoenix To Train Next Generation of Lithography Engineers »