A hardworking and talented workforce helps drive the aerospace and defense industry in Arkansas.

Arkansas has a significant aerospace and defense workforce, with more than 8,000 employees in the aerospace and defense manufacturing sector.

Across the aerospace manufacturing industry in Arkansas, there are 5,952 employees directly engaged in aerospace products and parts manufacturing.

The Little Rock Air Force Base is one of five military installations and a major employer for Arkansas’ aerospace and defense industry, with 6,600 personnel, including civilians, active duty, and Army Reserve Force. Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith has been selected as the location of an F-35 Lightning II training center by the Department of the Air Force.

Educational opportunities and training programs are keeping the pipeline of talented workers flowing for Arkansas’ aerospace manufacturing sector. Companies benefit from multiple educational institutions with programs geared toward the aerospace and defense industry in Arkansas, as well as initiatives designed to prepare workers for specific industry needs.