Arkansas Lands at the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow

The aerospace and defense industry is more important than ever, producing the aircraft that help power our economy and the munitions that protect our nation and allies around the world. Companies in the aerospace and defense industry are growing, and they have discovered that Arkansas provides all the elements they need to grow –a business-friendly environment, favorable public policy, a strong workforce and beyond, and an excellent quality of life.

Across the state, there are more than 150 aerospace and defense companies that are manufacturing essential products and providing critical services. Arkansas is home to industry leaders, like Dassault Falcon Jet, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, General Dynamics, RTX, and many others, in addition to many smaller, cutting-edge companies.

This summer, Arkansas is highlighting its thriving aerospace and defense industry at the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow. Held on July 20-24, the Farnborough International Airshow is one of the premier global events for the aerospace and defense industry.

A delegation of Arkansas companies and economic developers will be spotlighting the state’s strength in the aerospace and defense industry while also working to attract new companies and encourage more investment in the Natural State. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders will lead the delegation, promoting the state’s industry and meeting with company executives from across the globe.

Arkansas has had significant wins at the Farnborough International Airshow in past years. Most recently, Governor Sanders joined Taber Extrusions on the USA Partnership Pavilion’s Forum Main Stage during the 2024 airshow to announce a $70 million investment in the company’s Russellville operations.  Taber Extrusions broke ground on its expansion in April 2025, creating 70 new jobs.

In addition, the Arkansas team has had meetings at events like the Farnborough and Paris airshows that have led to important economic development announcements. Following the 2025 Paris Air Show, L3Harris announced plans to build more than 20 new manufacturing facilities in Camden, Arkansas, adding 50 new jobs to the region. Other meetings led to announcements like the R2S facility – a joint partnership between RTX and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems – in East Camden, Arkansas, and Dassault Falcon Jet’s expansion in Little Rock.

During the 2024 Farnborough Airshow, there were more than 100,000 visitors from 114 countries as well as 1,427 exhibitors and 423 official delegations who attended the event. In total, the airshow helped facilitate approximately $105.8 billion in commercial aircraft and engine orders.

To learn more about Arkansas’ aerospace and defense industry, visit AEDC’s Aerospace and Defense Key Industry page.