The Guide to Oklahoma’s Aerospace & Defense Industry
Population: 4,095,393 | Area: 181,195 km2 | GDP $212.7B
oklahoma offers a stable pro-business environment
oklahoma is centrally located
oklahoma is a constitutional right-to-work state
lowest cost of doing business
CNBC America’s Best States for Business, 2025 lowest corporate tax rate in the u.s State Business Tax Climate Index Tax Foundation, 2025
lower energy costs than the national average Energy Information Administration 20-30%
Location
& Transportation Network
In the U.S., it doesn’t get any more central than Oklahoma.
131 public-use airports
including two international airports — 94% of Oklahoma’s population is within a 30-minute drive of a jet-capable airport.
3 intersecting interstate highways offering access to every corner of the country.
99 million people
within 500 miles — Oklahoma has a population of approximately 4 million, with nearly 1.5 million in the Oklahoma City metro and over 1 million in the Tulsa metro.
4 inland ports
including one of the largest, most inland, ice-free river ports in the U.S.
2,600+ miles of Class-I rail lines
Oklahoma Aerospace Industry Overview
Aerospace companies find success operating in Oklahoma — and for good reason. The state is a major hub for MRO, flight training, defense operations and manufacturing.
THE TWO LARGEST MRO FACILITIES IN THE WORLD
The American Airlines Maintenance and Engineering Center, the largest commercial MRO, employs more than 5,500 in Tulsa; the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex at Tinker Air Force Base is the largest air depot maintenance facility for the U.S. Department of Defense and employs approximately 26,000.
133,000+ employees
More than 133,000 Oklahomans are employed in Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industries.
smarter supply chains
Strategic Sourcing OMA offers personalized assistance in identifying reliable regional partners and domestic alternatives to ensure operations are secure and competitive from day one.
AEROSPACE INDUSTRY ECONOMIC IMPACT
1,100+ aerospace entities
More than 1,100 aerospace entities, including manufacturers, MRO, research and development, military and others.
Aerospace and Defense is Oklahoma’s second-largest sector with an economic impact approaching $44 billion annually. Additionally, aerospace is one of the state’s fastest-growing industries.
Oklahoma vs. the Competition
See how Oklahoma stacks up against other aerospace locations.
*Texas & Ohio do not have a corporate state income tax but do have a gross receipts tax Sources: Tax Foundation, EIA, C2ER, Lightcast
Oklahoma’s Aerospace Cluster Map
Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense clusters are comprised of 1,100+ entities, including manufacturers, MRO, research and development, military and others.
Northwest Region
Vance AFB
Aircraft Structures International Corporation (ASIC)
Vantage Plane Plastics
Central Region (Oklahoma City)
Tinker AFB
Federal Aviation Administration
AAR
Acorn Capital Management
AeroCoreX
Boeing
CAE
Critical Components
Delaware Resource Group
Field Aerospace
Frontier Electronic Systems Corp.
GE Aerospace
General Dynamics
KIHOMAC
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
Southwest Region
Altus AFB
Fort Sill
Epirus
BAE Systems
Blue Halo, an AV company
Camgian
Counter UAS Center of Excellence
Duncan Machine Products
Lockheed Martin
Long Wave Inc.
Metrea Special Aerospace
Mint Turbines
Moog
Northrop Grumman
North Star Scientific
Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business
Premium Aerospace Center
Qualified Coating Services
Raytheon Technologies Corp.
Rolls-Royce
Skydweller
SkyWest
FireHawk
FISTA (Fires Innovation Science and Technology Accelerator)
Oklahoma Air & Space Port
Raytheon Missile & Defense
Northeast Region
(Tulsa)
Tulsa Air National Guard
Accurus Aerospace Corp.
Agile Space Industries
American Airlines MRO
Boeing
CBC Global
Cherokee Nation Aerospace & Defense
Consolidated Turbine Specialists
CymSTAR
Ferra Aerospace
FlightSafety
Intercontinental Jet Service Corp.
L3Harris
Lufthansa Technik
Malone's CNC Machining
MST Manufacturing
NORDAM
Orizon Aerostructures
Skyway36 Droneport
TAT/Limco
Valence Surface Technologies
Vertical Aerospace
WHI Global
WindShape, Inc
Southeast Region
McAlester Army Ammunition Plant
AERO Component Repair
Choctaw Defense
Choctaw Nation Emerging Aviation Technology Center
Enviro Systems
King Aerospace
Aerospace Assets
National Weather Center
The NWC is the largest confederation of federal, university and private sector weather and climate research, education, operational and public outreach organizations on the planet. The Norman facility is the headquarters for severe storm tracking and prediction across the U.S.
National Severe Storms Laboratory
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman conducts research on both cold and warm season hazardous weather events, and collaborates with both the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University to characterize severe storms using UAS.
Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport
One of 14 FAA-licensed U.S. spaceports, the Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport is a public-use airport that includes a 13,503 feet by 300 feet all-weather runway with unrestricted airspace, 150-mile polar orbit spaceflight corridor, ATC, Telemetry and Monitoring room and an 1,100-acre industrial park with hundreds of acres available for lease/development.
FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center
The Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, located in Oklahoma City, provides critical products and services that touch all aspects of aviation. The center directly supports the safe and efficient operations of the national and international aviation system, and trains 76,000 students annually.
Oklahoma’s Advanced Air Mobility, Unmanned Systems and Counter-UAS
Unmanned systems and advanced air mobility are key priorities. The state’s 3 research universities are setting themselves apart nationally through degree programs, facilities, research, grants and more, with emphasis on environmental sensing, defense and weather prediction. Additionally, companies like Kratos Defense, Skydweller, Vigilant Aerospace and WindShape are advancing the industry here. Key assets and test sites statewide set the stage for research & development, manufacturing and more.
UAS KEY ASSETS & TEST SITES
» Camp Gruber Joint Maneuver Training Center
» Choctaw Nation Emerging Aviation Technology Center
UAS assets, including research and development facilities, defense accelerators and aerospace support operations.
» OSU CUAS COE
» OSU LaunchPad Research Center
» OSU OAIRE
» OU Kessler Atmospheric and Ecological Field Station
» OU Radar Innovations Laboratory
Find out more about Advanced Air Mobility, Unmanned Systems and C-UAS in Oklahoma.
Military Installations
Spaceport
FAA Center
National Weather Center
International Airports
Commercial Airports
Jet-Capable Runways
845,000+
acres of uas test sites
“Our decision to establish roots in Oklahoma has proven to be a strategic win that only gets stronger with time. From our core operations in Oklahoma City to our newest expansion into Bristow, we continue to find the ideal environment for growth and success. The state’s unique combination of a highly skilled workforce, incentives, resources and specialized infrastructure—like Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport—makes it the clear choice for any leader in the defense and aerospace sectors.”
- Steve Fendley PRESIDENT, UNMANNED SYSTEMS DIVISION
Oklahoma’s Defense Industry
Oklahoma has been a key player in the defense and homeland security industry since World War II. With the largest DoD air depot, a central location and strong military presence, Oklahoma offers defense companies the expertise and strategic advantage necessary for success.
in economic activity from military aviation workers in military aviation $21.8B
5 MILITARY INSTALLATIONS
» Tinker Air Force Base
» Vance Air Force Base
» Fort Sill
» Altus Air Force Base
» McAlester Army Ammunition Plant
» 7 National Guard assets — 2 Air National Guard campuses and 5 Army National Guard complexes
FISTA INNOVATION PARK
is a defense-focused research & development and science & technology hub in Lawton-Fort Sill, Oklahoma, purpose-built to accelerate innovation for the Fires and Air Defense communities. Working in direct coordination with the two Cross-Functional Teams located at Fort Sill and other military installations, FISTA delivers secure integration labs, advanced STEM Lab capabilities and specialized facilities—including two anechoic chambers—to rapidly develop, test and transition technologies from concept to operational use. Collaborating with municipal, state and federal authorities, FISTA co-locates industry, academia and government to strengthen national security missions while driving high-skill jobs, workforce development and economic growth across Oklahoma.
133,000+
TOP DEFENSE CONTRACTORS OPERATING IN OKLAHOMA
» AAR
» Aviation Training Consulting, LLC
» BAE Systems
» Boeing
» Booz Allen Hamilton
» CAE
» Camgian
» CymSTAR
» Delaware Resource Group
» Dynetics
» FlightSafety
» GE Aerospace
» General Dynamics
» Infinite Composites
» Kratos Defense
» L3Harris
» Lockheed Martin
» Moog Inc.
» Northrop Grumman
» Pratt & Whitney
» Raytheon Technologies
» SAIC
» Vertex
The Premier Inland Hub for Commercial Space
Oklahoma is the nation’s rising center for the aerospace industry. Strategically positioned and infrastructure-rich, the state offers a seamless ecosystem where companies can design, test, manufacture and launch the next generation of space technology.
The Gateway: Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport
Located in Burns Flat, the Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport is one of only 14 FAA-licensed spaceports in the U.S. and the only one with a functional spaceflight corridor not shared with major military or commercial hubs.
Massive Infrastructure: Home to one of the longest runways in North America—13,503 feet by 300 feet—capable of handling any spacecraft currently in operation or development.
The “Infinity One” Corridor: A dedicated 152-mile-long spaceflight corridor that allows for rapid, frequent horizontal launches and high-inclination orbits.
At the Spaceport, Dawn Aerospace is currently conducting regular suborbital flights with the Mk-II Aurora spaceplane. Oklahoma serves as the U.S. base for this revolutionary vehicle, providing researchers and commercial partners with frequent, low-cost access to microgravity.
Across the state in Tulsa, Agile Space Industries is creating a national space hub with its new $200 million Space Test Center, a state-of-the-art propulsion ecosystem dedicated to closing critical gaps in rocket engine testing. Dawn Aerospace
“Agile is proud to be a pioneer in Oklahoma’s space renaissance. We will act as a magnet, and be the nucleus of a new space cluster, by addressing critical shortages in advanced in-space testing. This addresses a national defense imperative, accelerates space exploration and catalyzes commercial missions for the benefit of the wider economy.”
- Chris Pearson CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Oklahoma’s Aerospace Workforce
in u.s. for high school aviation curriculum (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025) #1
124,000+ PEOPLE ARE EMPLOYED
in Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industries, including engineers, sheet metal mechanics and skilled pilots.
Having a talented, easily accessible workforce is a key component to the success of any business. We have the tools, resources and business-friendly policies in place to help your business hire a qualified workforce – and sustain it.
CHOOSE AEROSPACE
schools participating (Choose Aerospace, 2025-2026 school year)
schools taught “you can fly” curriculum (2025-2026 school year) 149
28%
17 increase in participation (2025-2026 school year)
Oklahoma’s CareerTech System provides the Choose Aerospace aviation maintenance program to any Oklahoma school to address the growing need for more certified mechanics, supporting industry growth and existing workforce turnover.
PREPARING A WORKFORCE FOR THE FUTURE
In Oklahoma, aerospace education starts early. Recognizing the need for a skilled workforce in the aerospace and aviation industry, many Oklahoma high schools offer aviation curriculum developed by the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA). The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace & Aeronautics offers the four-year “You Can Fly” curriculum free to schools, creating a future workforce for Oklahoma companies. For the 2025-2026 school year, 149 Oklahoma schools taught this curriculum to students, an increase of 28% over the previous school year.
Aerospace Industry Wage Profile
Wages in Oklahoma’s Aerospace & Defense sector are more than 30% lower than the national average.
Fueling Oklahoma’s Aerospace Future
Oklahoma’s premier higher education institutions are the state’s engine for innovation, blending world-class research with specialized workforce training to power the global aerospace and defense sectors.
HIGHER EDUCATION SUPPORTS AVIATION & AEROSPACE
17
Oklahoma colleges and universities offer aerospace and engineering degrees and certifications
1st university in the nation with a PhD program focused on UAS design at Oklahoma State University
21,000 average enrollments for aerospace and support programs in Oklahoma over the last five years
The University of Oklahoma’s Executive MBA in Aerospace and Defense is one of only two programs of its kind in the nation, designed exclusively for professionals in the A&D sector, including government, military and industry. The institution also offers three Graduate Certificates, including Commercial Space Application. Graduates now work with companies including Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, RTX and the Federal Aviation Administration.
OKLAHOMA UNIVERSITIES ACCELERATE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
The University of Oklahoma (OU) advances the aerospace frontier through innovative research & development in unmanned systems, space navigation, and sustainable energy materials. By translating research into field-ready intellectual property and partnering with Tinker Air Force Base, OU directly shapes the workforce and technology essential to Oklahoma’s future economy.
The Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research & Education (OAIRE) at Oklahoma State University (OSU) works to be the global leader in emerging aerospace technologies, driving the cutting edge of emerging technology and acting as a trusted agent in the industry while also building upon OSU’s deep technical expertise.
Rose State College’s Aerospace and Cybersecurity Incubator is bridging the gap between small businesses and key partners, including the DoD military branches, federal agencies and aerospace or aero-adjacent industry leaders. The incubator aims to increase the number of small business suppliers serving these sectors, fostering growth and innovation.
ou best college for aviation - FlyingMag.com #1
25%
increase in aerospace enrollments in 3 years
The Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute at The University of Tulsa (UTulsa) focuses on developing, testing and deploying cyber research outcomes and technology developments. UTulsa leverages nationally recognized cyber leaders in academia and research, in addition to Tulsa’s dynamic business and innovation community, to meet the global demand for cyber talent and technology.
OKLAHOMA’S CAREERTECH NETWORK
Oklahoma’s CareerTech has the ability to respond quickly to the aerospace industry’s need to develop skilled workers through specialized training programs and facilities located across the state.
CareerTech covers all aspects of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), aircraft manufacturing and supporting industries, and can customize any of their courses to meet a particular industry’s need to include incorporation of the company’s standards.
AEROSPACE-RELATED PROGRAMS
Over the next five years, Oklahoma CareerTech projects more than 10,000 graduates from its aerospace-related programs.
“Oklahoma CareerTech is a leader in pipelining high school and post-secondary students to aerospace careers via strategic partnerships. Their efforts are helping provide the required workforce for aerospace businesses in the state.”
- Ryan Goertzen VICE PRESIDENT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, AAR
Incentive Programs
Oklahoma has some of the lowest tax rates and some of the best tax incentives in the nation. With some incentives, businesses can choose between a cash incentive or a tax credit package, and in some cases, qualifying businesses can take advantage of both programs. The following are incentives often utilized by aerospace companies.
5% of payroll
covered when creating new full-time positions, above Oklahoma employees average wages
QUALITY JOBS PROGRAM
free analysis
The Oklahoma Team helps identify all state and local incentives applicable to each project
Cash payments of up to 5% of new payrolls for up to 10 years
» $2.5 million annual payroll within 3 years of start date
» Create new full-time positions
» Pay new Oklahoma employees average wages above the state index wage
SMALL EMPLOYER QUALITY JOBS PROGRAM
Cash payments of up to 5% of new payrolls for up to 7 years
» Qualifying small employer (500 employees or less)
» Create new full-time positions
» Pay new Oklahoma employees average wages above the state index wage
21ST CENTURY QUALITY JOBS
Cash payments of up to 10% of new payrolls for up to 10 years.
» Create 10 new full-time positions within 3 years.
» Pay average wage of typically 300% of the average county wage
» Requires 50% out-of-state sales
INVESTMENT/NEW JOBS TAX CREDIT PACKAGE
$5,000 individual tax credit for eligible engineers employed in the aerospace industry
Provides growing manufacturers with a substantial tax credit based on either an investment in depreciable property or on the addition of full-time-equivalent employees engaged in manufacturing, processing or aircraft maintenance.
» Choice of tax credit based on investment or new employees
» 5-year state tax credit on the greater of 1% per year of investment in new depreciable property or $500 per new job
» Credit doubles to 2% or $1,000 per employee in Enterprise Zones or for investments of $40 million
BUSINESS EXPANSION INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Annual cash payments
» Helps existing companies expand in Oklahoma
» Targets major capital investments in depreciable items like equipment and buildings
» Qualifying companies may choose between direct cash payments or payments that service private bonds
ENGINEER WORKFORCE TAX CREDIT FOR AEROSPACE
Employer Benefits
New engineer graduates
» 50% tax credit for reimbursed tuition costs for first 4 years of employment
Hire Oklahoma graduates
» Up to 10% of wages paid during first 5 years of employment (Maximum of $12,500 per employee annually)
Hire non-OK graduates
» Up to 5% of wages paid during first 5 years of employment (Maximum of $12,500 per employee annually)
Employee Benefits
Engineers currently employed in the aerospace industry are eligible to receive individual tax credit up to $5,000 per year for 5 years.
TRAINING FOR INDUSTRY PROGRAM
A program of Oklahoma’s CareerTech System, the Training for Industry Program (TIP) provides low- to no-cost training for virtually most industry sectors. Whether the company is new to Oklahoma or an expansion, TIP offers services, including: training needs assessment and customized training program; training provided on-site or alternate locations; training delivered through local CareerTech centers throughout Oklahoma; reimbursement of training costs and more.
FIVE-YEAR AD VALOREM EXEMPTION
A qualifying company can be exempt for 5 years from ad valorem taxes upon completion of new or expanded facilities. This incentive is available for manufacturing, research and development, warehouse and distribution, and certain computer/data processing services, refineries or aircraft repair companies.
NEW MARKET TAX CREDITS
A federal incentive created to spur private investment in low-income urban and rural communities, investors receive a 39% federal tax credit.
OTHER INCENTIVES
» Each community in Oklahoma typically has local incentives available to companies expanding in or relocating to their city.
» Several aerospace companies and airport properties were designated Federal Opportunity Zones and potentially have additional state level benefits for qualified companies.
Oklahoma Aerospace Exports to the World
Over the past decade, Oklahoma’s exports have surged by more than 141%, fueled by a robust $210 billion real GDP and trade partnerships spanning 180 countries. Aerospace remains the state’s second-largest export category; in 2025, exports of aircraft, engines and parts reached $1.2 billion. This performance demonstrates significant sector resilience in a challenging year for the global industry, following a record-breaking $1.38 billion in exports during 2024.
Aerospace exports from Oklahoma have grown by 141% in the past 10 years. 141%
In 2025, exports of aircraft, aircraft engines and parts totaled $1.2 billion. $1.2B
INTERNATIONAL TRADE & INVESTMENT
» Over the past five years, FDI companies have announced $6.35 billion in capital investments into Oklahoma.
» These companies project the creation of more than 5,400 direct new jobs with an average wage of more than $65,500.
» Major sources of foreign investment in Oklahoma include Canada, Japan, UAE, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, Ireland, Australia, Mexico and Italy.
» The largest international employers in the state are companies headquartered in Mexico, Ireland, France and Germany.
In 2018, Oklahoma proved its commitment to aerospace and defense by passing legislation to create Oklahoma ACES. Operated as a division within the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Oklahoma ACES has staff and resources dedicated to developing and growing the state’s aerospace and defense sector.
FROM THE BEGINNING
Since Nov. 1, 2018, Oklahoma ACES has helped secure:
159
$2.46B
10,240
project wins in investments new jobs created
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Oklahoma ACES has ongoing conversations with military partners such as Tinker Air Force Base to address roadblocks in the base’s vendor process, actively working with these partners to dissolve barriers to entry and increase supply chain opportunities for Oklahoma companies.
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS & HIRING EVENTS
Oklahoma ACES facilitates B2B events to help Oklahoma companies become suppliers to commercial operations as well as the U.S. DoD and prime contractors. Oklahoma ACES also coordinates hiring events across the state to facilitate connections between companies and potential employees.
TRADE SHOW SUPPORT
Oklahoma ACES leads national and international trade show delegations, providing an opportunity for Oklahoma companies that may not have the budget to attend on their own to display and meet with potential customers at some of the most highly attended industry events.
SUPPLY CHAIN SUPPORT & EXPANSION
Through the Strategic Sourcing initiative, Oklahoma ACES and the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance provide tailored matchmaking and supply chain expertise to help local manufacturers scale and compete in the global market.
“This is a strategic investment in the future of U.S. energetics and propulsion capacity. It will enable us to produce the advanced energetics needed to replenish the U.S. arsenal, restore stockpiles and sustain any fight. We’re deeply grateful to the State of Oklahoma for their vision and support. Together, we’ll build infrastructure to turn innovation into combat-ready capability – rapidly, efficiently and with scale at its core.”
