Aerospace & Defense
Aerospace & defense
take off in Virginia
take off in Virginia
Virginia offers what aerospace and defense companies need to grow — from world-class talent and engineering depth to direct access to federal decision-makers, major military installations, and a mature industrial base primed for innovation. VEDP helps companies turn that advantage into action through industry expertise, strategic guidance, and coordination across the Commonwealth.
Connecting the dots
from research to commercialization
The Commonwealth’s aerospace and defense ecosystem connects companies to the partners, suppliers, and research institutions they need to move fast and innovate faster. With legacy companies, established supply chains, and universities advancing new technologies across the state, Virginia is where ideas can launch.
Northrop Grumman Corporation, Loudoun County
A deep workforce bench
& talent pipeline
A deep workforce bench
& talent pipeline
From engineering and manufacturing degrees at Virginia’s colleges and universities to a steady flow of military talent, security-cleared workers, and workforce support programs, the Commonwealth offers a deep pipeline for aerospace and defense employers.
9,000+
veterans exit the military and enter Virginia's workforce annually, the highest of any state
Source: JobsEQ 2025Q3
Fort Pickett
No. 5
in aerospace engineering degrees produced in the U.S.
Source: Lightcast 2026.1
Virginia Commonwealth University intern, NASA
No. 1
state for workers with security clearances with 88,000+ across the Commonwealth.
Source: Lightcast 2026.1
BAE Systems, Fairfax County
A launch pad for
innovative companies
innovative companies
This is where the action is. From legacy industry leaders to new start ups, many of the companies shaping the present and future of aerospace and defense operate in Virginia.
Strategic advantages
driving opportunity
driving opportunity
Virginia’s advantage is not just in the concentration of aerospace and defense companies here — it is in the connections, expertise, and infrastructure that help companies grow faster.
The Pentagon, Arlington County
Proximity to federal government
Proximity to federal government
With the Pentagon in Arlington and a dense military presence that includes 230+ sites statewide, companies have access to decision-makers, program offices, and end users who help shape development and adoption.
Dynamic Aviation, Rockingham County
Future of aviation taking flight
Future of aviation taking flight
Virginia is gaining momentum in advanced air mobility, unmanned systems, and emerging aviation technologies, giving companies room to develop, test, commercialize, and scale what comes next.
NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton
Specialized infrastructure and assets
Specialized infrastructure and assets
From NASA’s Langley Research Center and the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership at Virginia Tech to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport and Norfolk Naval Station, the largest in the world, Virginia offers specialized infrastructure and assets that support both established companies and startups.
A statewide footprint
with regional strengths
with regional strengths
Virginia’s aerospace and defense footprint stretches across the Commonwealth — far beyond a single metro area, providing companies with the flexibility to pair manufacturing, research, technology, and mission needs with distinct regional strengths. Northern Virginia leads in national security and defense technology, while Hampton Roads anchors naval shipbuilding and maritime defense, alongside military operations and port access.
SUCCESS STORIES
Why companies
succeed in Virginia
Rocket Lab, Accomack County
There is a fantastic can-do attitude in Virginia to make sure that all of its businesses are successful. We have felt the full push of the Virginia team towards success, and it’s been really wonderful.
Aeroprobe Corporation, Christiansburg
At Aeroprobe, we strive to be revolutionary in technology and culture. Expanding our operations will allow us to pursue that goal at a new level, while also contributing to Virginia’s growing position as a technology leader.
for R&D defense contracts executed in Virginia with small businesses
Source: USASpending 2021-2025
out of 5 of the top aerospace companies are headquartered in Virginia
Source: Fortune magazine, 2025
highest concentration of shipbuilding workers in the U.S. with 41,000+ in Virginia
Source: JobsEQ 2025Q3
A strong foundation
built for growth
Virginia’s aerospace and defense growth is backed by more than momentum alone. The Commonwealth combines corporate leadership, specialized workforce strength, and strong defense innovation activity to support long-term success.
What’s new
The AUKUS security partnership includes an agreement for the Royal Australian Navy to purchase five Virginia-class submarines, like the USS Hawaii, from the United States.
An expert partner dedicated to your success
VEDP works alongside your team to understand what matters most to your project and connect you to the resources, partners, and expertise that support smarter decisions from the start.
Talent strategy & workforce solutions
Build the workforce you need with support for hiring, training, and long-term talent pipeline development — including connections to Virginia’s universities, community colleges, and experienced military talent.
Real estate advisory
Narrow your search with site evaluation support grounded in your project requirements — from utilities and acreage to transportation access and facility needs — so you can compare options with fewer unknowns.
Partner coordination & ecosystem development
Connect with the public and private partners who can support your investment, strengthen your market position, and help you navigate Virginia’s aerospace and defense ecosystem more effectively.
Meet your industry experts & partners
Swanka helps aerospace and defense companies evaluate Virginia’s workforce, sites and ecosystem, connecting their needs to the resources that support long-term growth.
Graham Griffith works with companies in the aerospace and defense sectors as they evaluate opportunities in Virginia, helping them navigate planning requirements, operational needs, and other key considerations. His work focuses on coordinating across teams, managing shifting priorities, and providing analysis to support informed decisions.
Antje advises international companies on how best to expand operations into the U.S. in general and Virginia in particular, providing expert guidance on key topics, from site selection to tax incentives. She oversees VEDP’s offices in Europe, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.
Rocket Lab, Accomack County
Explore Virginia’s aerospace & defense advantages
Learn why aerospace and defense companies choose Virginia for talent, federal access, industry depth, and room to grow — and how VEDP helps support successful expansion.
“As an innovative space company, we have the opportunity to draw from the rich pool of talented technology and business professionals who are drawn to the region for its opportunities and dynamic environment. Northern Virginia is an important hub for the aerospace and defense industry, which makes it a great fit for SpaceLink’s corporate headquarters.”