Aerospace and defense is a thriving industry in Arkansas, producing aircraft, aviation components, and defense products used worldwide. Arkansas has a talented and willing workforce that is a key element for prospective aerospace and defense companies looking to expand into Arkansas.

Aerospace manufacturing is a major part of Arkansas’ aerospace and defense industry.

Notable aerospace manufacturing companies with a presence in Arkansas include Dassault Falcon Jet, which established its largest facility in the world in central Arkansas, as well as Lockheed Martin, Aerojet Rocketdyne, and General Dynamics.

Aerospace and defense manufacturing companies in Arkansas produce aircraft, component parts, ordinance, and other critical supplies. Aerospace and defense products are Arkansas’ top export category, generating $890 million in 2022. Aerospace and defense exports accounted for 19.7% of Arkansas’ total exports in 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Arkansas’ aerospace and defense industry is constantly growing. The Department of the Air Force selected Ebbing Air National Guard in Fort Smith to host an F-35 Lightning II training center for Foreign Military Sales. The training center is estimated to have a $1 billion annual economic impact in Arkansas.

In recent years, multiple aerospace and defense companies have made significant investments in Arkansas. Companies such as SGL Carbon, Radius Aerospace, CoorsTek, and Aerojet Rocketdyne, have expanded facilities in Arkansas.