From moon missions in Gilbert to air taxis in Phoenix and missile systems in Tucson, Arizona is quickly becoming a national powerhouse in aerospace and defense. Behind this sky-high momentum is Global giants like Northrop Grumman, Honeywell, and Raytheon… and they’re hiring, expanding, and investing right now.
🔧 What’s Happening?
Arizona is attracting major aerospace & defense projects that will shape the future of space travel, defense technology, and even urban mobility.
Just a few examples:
NASA's Lunar Gateway module is being tested and outfitted in Gilbert
Air taxi technology is being developed in Phoenix
Billions in missile manufacturing is happening in Tucson
📈 The Bigger Picture:
14,000 new jobs expected from A&D projects in Arizona
$3+ billion in investment currently in the Arizona Commerce Authority pipeline
1,200+ A&D companies already operate in the state
62,000+ people employed in Arizona’s A&D industry
According to a PwC study, Arizona now ranks #3 in the nation for A&D investment. And we’re only gaining momentum.
🏭 Key Projects Taking Flight:
🔵 Northrop Grumman (Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa)
Building NASA’s HALO module for moon and Mars missions
Investing $50M in rocket development with Firefly Aerospace
Developing hypersonic missile interceptors for the U.S. military
🟠 Raytheon (Tucson)
$5B+ in contracts in the first five months of 2025 alone
Leading missile manufacturing nationwide
Adding hundreds of new hires to support growth
Joint venture with Northrop on next-gen missile systems
🟢 Honeywell Aerospace (Phoenix)
Spinning off into its own company
Formed a $1B partnership with UK-based Vertical Aerospace to develop electric air taxis
🟣 Virgin Galactic (Mesa)
Starting production of its first Delta Spaceships
Mesa facility completed in mid-2024 and now fully operational
🟡 Rocket Lab (Tucson)
Acquired local defense tech firm Geost for $300M
Strengthens Arizona’s satellite protection and surveillance capabilities
🎓 Preparing the Workforce:
To meet demand, the state launched the A&D Future 48 Workforce Accelerator—a partnership between Gov. Hobbs, the ACA, Honeywell, Boeing, and Maricopa Community Colleges. Students will get hands-on training for high-paying A&D jobs that are in demand right now.
💡 Why Real Estate Clients Should Pay Attention
Arizona’s A&D surge is more than a headline—it’s fueling real economic growth. That means:
New jobs = more housing demand
More skilled workers = stronger rental markets
Increased investment = long-term economic stability
If you’re buying, selling, or investing in Arizona real estate, this sector’s success strengthens our market and makes communities like Mesa, Chandler, Tucson, and Central Phoenix ripe for opportunity.
📬 Let’s Talk Strategy
Want to know which areas are poised for growth thanks to these major employers? Or how to position your property or investment for this wave of innovation and job creation?
📞 Call/text me or reply to this email—I’d love to help you align your real estate moves with Arizona’s trajectory.
Arizona is launching into the future—and it’s taking the real estate market with it.
Don’t get left behind.
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