A GREAT PLACE TO LAND
Aerospace and defense is the state’s leading export by revenue with more than 150 industrial facilities and operations around the state. Companies like Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, General Dynamics, and RTX, have chosen to locate and expand in Arkansas, highlighting the local and state support for aerospace and defense companies thriving in the Natural State.
Business Climate
- Arkansas ranks #1 in the nation for cost of living (U.S. News & World Report, 2026).
- Competitive incentives and a streamlined state government
- Arkansas is one of 26 Right to work states
- Strong support from Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and our Congressional delegation
Education
- Arkansas is a leader in aerospace education in the South, offering a wide variety of certification programs and degrees with fields of study related to the aerospace industry available at many of the state's 10 four-year universities and 22 two-year colleges
- Five educational institutions offer certification in Aviation Maintenance Technology including both Powerplant and Airframe mechanic career education
- Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech) was the first school in the state to become certified as an aviation maintenance training facility with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Today, SAU Tech operates two certified schools, one in Camden and the other in Texarkana.
- Over 2,100 engineering-related certificates and degrees awarded annually
Industry Strength
- Home to over 150 Aerospace and Defense companies, including Dassault Falcon Jet, which has established its largest facility in the world in central Arkansas, along with Lockheed Martin, Aerojet Rocketdyne, General Dynamics, and other industry leaders
- Aerospace and Defense is Arkansas’ leading export. In 2024, aircraft & aircraft parts were Arkansas’s largest category of export with over $950M dollars in goods exported.
- Numerous available sites with runway access and aviation-focused facilities
Workforce
- 10,000+ employees in Aerospace and Defense manufacturing; 3,000+ directly engaged in aerospace products and parts manufacturing
- The Little Rock Air Force Base has 7,000+ personnel, including civilians, active duty, and Army Reserve Force
- Since 2010, 10,000+ aerospace and defense jobs have been created in Arkansas.
Flying High In Arkansas
Aerospace and aviation represents Arkansas’ #1 export with over 11,000 employees in the industry. See why Arkansas is the natural choice for business success.
Aerospace & Defense Companies in Arkansas
From the Newsroom
From the Blog
You're in good company
At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn’t happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success. Here are some examples of businesses that are thriving!
Arkansas offers a range of competitive incentives for businesses looking to open, expand or relocate.
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