A Leading Hub for Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

Our rich history in aviation, specifically military aviation, has helped make Missouri one of the top aerospace manufacturing providers in a country that’s already at the forefront of new technology. From Charles Lindbergh to modern aerospace technology from Boeing, we’ve been leading the way for more than 100 years.

Boeing, with its Defense, Space and Security manufacturing facility in St. Louis, Missouri, is one of the country’s largest defense contractors. Its primary activity is aerospace manufacturing, but it also participates in aircraft parts manufacturing, ammunition manufacturing, and engineering services.

Today, more than 16,000 of Missouri’s highly trained workforce builds advanced military jets at Boeing’s Defense, Space and Security facilities, along with a huge array of military ordinance and commercial composite parts. And that cutting edge innovation takes place across the state in more than 100 aerospace manufacturing companies.

A Defense Industry Leader in the Heart of America

Missouri is home to the western campus of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), with a $1.75 billion expansion project underway to strengthen its presence in Missouri.

Across the state, Missouri defense companies like EaglePicher produce high-tech lithium batteries in Joplin, and the Kansas City National Security Campus supports mission-critical projects. According to recent studies, the Department of Defense invests $18.2 billion annually in Missouri defense, fueling over 25,000 businesses statewide.

DRS Technologies has two locations in Missouri, DRS Land Systems HQ in St. Louis and a 100-acre heavy equipment manufacturing facility in West Plains. World Wide Technology, headquartered in St. Louis, is a global leader in computer system design for the defense industry. The Olin Winchester Lake City Ammunition Plant in Independence is the largest producer of small-arms munitions for the Department of Defense, producing over a billion rounds per year.

DRS Technologies has two locations in Missouri, DRS Land Systems HQ in St. Louis and a 100-acre heavy equipment manufacturing facility in West Plains. World Wide Technology, headquartered in St. Louis, is a global leader in computer system design for the defense industry. The Olin Winchester Lake City Ammunition Plant in Independence is the largest producer of small-arms munitions for the Department of Defense, producing over a billion rounds per year.

Missouri Has Aerospace Talent

In total, 36 Missouri institutions offer aerospace and defense-related degrees, while 13 focus on precision production. For engineering and technology degrees, Missouri offers 22 associate programs, 20 bachelor’s, 9 master’s, and 4 PhD programs. 

Nearly one in ten Missouri workers are in manufacturing, with aerospace as a top industry sector.

Other knowledge centers include:

• Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Kansas City)
• Flight Safety International (Berkeley)
• Missouri S&T (Rolla)
• Saint Louis University
• Southeast Missouri State (Cape Girardeau)
• St. Louis Community College
• State Technical College of Missouri (Linn)
• University of Central Missouri (Warrensburg)
• Washington University in St. Louis

Recently, BioSTL launched the Center for Defense Medicine with a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. This center will leverage BioSTL’s BioGenerator investment programs to support St. Louis startups as they develop innovative products and technologies for the U.S. military.

Aerospace Leaders Already in Missouri:

What Next?

• Talk to our CEO Subash Alias about business expansion opportunities at 314.932.3973 or via our contact form.
• Check out our available certified sites & buildings for your site selection needs.
• See how Missouri’s business climate ranks in comparison to other states.