America’s Defense Industry is a Strategic and Economic Asset
America’s defense industrial base is one of the nation’s most powerful strategic and economic assets. It is a complex ecosystem of manufacturers, engineers, innovators, and suppliers who ensure the readiness, resilience, and superiority of the U.S. armed forces. From emerging technologies to advanced production capabilities, the strength of this sector is built on the people, partnerships, and innovation driving it forward every day.
The Defense Industrial Base Drives Economic Growth Across the United States
The U.S. aerospace and defense (A&D) sector generated nearly $1 trillion in total economic activity last year — reflecting its vital role in strengthening national security and fueling economic growth.
This impact is felt nationwide across a diverse network of companies, including:
- Small and mid-sized manufacturers
- Advanced machining and fabrication facilities
- Cutting-edge research institutions
- Prime contractors in aerospace, space, and defense
These organizations collectively support innovation, exports, job creation, and technological leadership. Their contributions extend far beyond the defense sector, strengthening America’s overall industrial competitiveness.
A Skilled Workforce Powers America’s Defense Sector
Behind the industry’s economic and strategic impact is a highly trained workforce of more than 2.2 million professionals. These individuals form one of the most technically capable labor forces in the world.
Their work includes:
- Producing high-tolerance, precision-engineered components
- Manufacturing life-critical systems for air, land, sea, and space platforms
- Managing rigorous quality and cybersecurity programs
- Supporting engineering, logistics, supply chain, and program management
This workforce ensures reliability in every mission and readiness across every branch of the military. Their technical expertise and commitment to excellence are foundational to America’s defense capabilities.
Behind the industry’s economic and strategic impact is a highly trained workforce of more than 2.2 million professionals. These individuals form one of the most technically capable labor forces in the world.
Their work includes:
- Producing high-tolerance, precision-engineered components
- Manufacturing life-critical systems for air, land, sea, and space platforms
- Managing rigorous quality and cybersecurity programs
- Supporting engineering, logistics, supply chain, and program management
This workforce ensures reliability in every mission and readiness across every branch of the military. Their technical expertise and commitment to excellence are foundational to America’s defense capabilities.
Innovation is Transforming the U.S. Defense Industry
The defense industrial base is undergoing rapid transformation as new technologies reshape how critical components are designed, produced, and delivered.
Key investments are enabling:
- Greater surge capacity
- Shorter and more predictable lead times
- Increased supply chain agility
- Improved material and energy efficiency
- Enhanced performance in mission-critical systems
Small and mid-sized manufacturers play a critical role in this modernization. Their agility, innovation, and ability to rapidly integrate new technologies make them essential contributors to national defense.
Investment and Collaboration strengthen the Future of America’s Industrial Base
Across the country — and especially in regions like Michigan — manufacturers, suppliers, engineers, and innovators are strengthening the nation’s defense readiness every day. Their commitment to excellence, precision, and partnership fuels the technological edge that keeps America secure.
The future of the defense industrial base will continue to be shaped by:
- New manufacturing technologies
- Workforce development
- Cross-industry collaboration
- Supply chain resilience
- Strategic investment in both small businesses and large defense programs
Michigan Leads the Nation in Defense Manufacturing
Michigan has long been recognized as a hub of industrial capability and is now re-imagining the “Arsenal of Democracy” – the title it earned for its contribution during World War II. Today, the state continues to lead through:
- More than 5,000 defense-related businesses
- Over 166,000 defense, aerospace, and homeland security jobs
- More than $30 billion in annual economic activity
- A dense network of manufacturers, military installations, and R&D institutions
No other state offers Michigan’s combination of engineering talent, industrial capacity, and innovation-driven partnerships. Its Make It in Michigan economic development strategy further strengthens its national leadership by supporting high-value skills, business growth, and collaborative industry initiatives.
Barron Industries Is Expanding Its Capabilities to Support the Nation’s Growing Defense Needs
As part of this strong Michigan ecosystem, Barron Industries is expanding its role in supplying mission-critical components for military vehicles, aircraft, satellites, rockets, missiles, drones, and UAS platforms.
In 2025, Barron announced a $10 million expansion to establish its new Aerospace and Defense Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center, which will:
- Increase production capacity for precision castings and machined assemblies
- Integrate advanced automation and digital manufacturing technologies
- Provide faster lead times with full turnkey capabilities
- Add 50 high-skill jobs to its current workforce of 80 employees
The State of Michigan supported this expansion with a $900,000 grant, recognizing Barron’s growing contribution to the state’s defense economy.
