Oklahoma’s Aerospace + Defense Team provides services to Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industry sector and promotes the state as a premier destination for expanding and relocating aviation, aerospace, defense and autonomous systems companies.
2024 Report
Download our report on Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industry and the ACES program.
Aerospace + Defense Economic Development Progress
Since 2018, the state has invested $9.4 million in the ACES program. Over that time, the ACES team has secured $2 billion in new capital investment.
Major Aerospace + Defense News and Announcements
Pratt & Whitney Expands in Oklahoma City with New $255M Facility
Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, celebrated the opening of its new 845,000-square-foot facility in Oklahoma City, solidifying its position as the company’s largest military engines field location and representing a $255 million investment.
“Oklahoma City is the heart of our global sustainment network for Pratt & Whitney’s Military Engines business and plays a critical role on every single one of our programs,” said Jill Albertelli, president of Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney. “This new facility will serve as a hub for all of our military engine programs and allow us to better support our customers and their missions.”
Pratt & Whitney’s Oklahoma City site is home to over 500 full-time employees, with an additional 500 contract and partner employees. This investment will create an additional 100 full-time jobs over the next five years.
New Tulsa Space Test Center Positions City as a Leader in Rocket Engine Testing
Agile Space Industries, a leading provider in aerospace propulsion and testing solutions, announced the development of the Tulsa Space Test Center (TSTC), adjacent to the Tulsa International Airport. This state-of-the art facility will establish Tulsa as a premier location for space engine testing and support the nation’s critical need for advanced in-space propulsion testing infrastructure. As a world-class testing hub, the TSTC will support NASA, commercial space companies and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) by providing advanced in-space rocket engine testing capabilities.
“Space has become essential to the global economy, valued at over $600 billion annually and projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2040,” noted Jim Bridenstine, former NASA Administrator and Managing Partner of The Artemis Group. “From banking to national security, America’s infrastructure depends on space. The Tulsa Space Test Center, supported by Tulsa’s robust aerospace workforce and strategic infrastructure assets, will attract further investment and growth to the region, creating high-paying jobs, boosting the local economy, and establishing a Tulsa Space Park that will drive future space innovation.”
AAR Expands Oklahoma City Operations, Adding 200 New Jobs
AAR CORP., a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, broke ground on the expansion of its maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Oklahoma City.
The new facility has been designed to provide AAR an additional 80,000+ square feet of hangar and warehouse space and to accommodate all 737 variants, including the 737-10. AAR’s growth in Oklahoma City supports a recently expanded maintenance commitment from Alaska Airlines, a valued customer of AAR for more than 20 years. The new airframe MRO facility is expected to be operational in January of 2026.
“Today’s groundbreaking has been made possible thanks to collaborative efforts across AAR and Alaska Airlines, partnerships with Oklahoma City Airport Trust, and state and local representatives who are passionate about expanding aviation in Oklahoma,” said John M. Holmes, AAR’s Chairman, President & CEO.
ACES Aerospace + Defense Recruiting Strategy
The state’s A&D industries are vast and highly complex. In order to maximize efforts, the ACES team is focusing on 4 broad-based objectives that are designed to provide the greatest return. These strategic pillars provide the basis for our state’s A&D strategy:
Provide the infrastructure to recruit, educate and train the workforce needed to sustain and grow the aerospace industry within the state.
Create an environment to attract startups of advanced technologies that are interwoven and connected to one another.
Develop a university-led innovation cluster to support the aerospace and defense industry of the future.
Position Oklahoma to be the center of excellence for the aviation engine sustainment enterprise.
Your Aerospace + Defense Team
Contact us today, we’re here to help.
Leshia Pearson
Rob Wilcox, Chief Petty Officer, Navy (Ret.)
Kallie Hanisch
