New study highlights aerospace and defense industry's $52.5 billion impact on Oklahoma

Oklahoma's aerospace and defense industry generates $52.5 billion in annual economic activity and supports more than 250,000 jobs statewide, according to a new economic impact study released by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA). 

The findings were unveiled during an event at the Oklahoma History Center, where state officials, congressional leaders and industry representatives highlighted the industry's growth and its importance to Oklahoma's economy. 

The study found that aerospace and defense generates $16.6 billion in annual payroll, with economic impact increasing by approximately $9 billion since the previous study in 2017. The industry supports nearly 56,000 more jobs than it did nine years ago. 

Oklahoma City plays a significant role in those contributions, with Tinker Air Force Base generating $10.9 billion in annual economic impact and supporting 68,848 jobs, including direct, indirect and induced employment. Tinker, the state's largest single-site employer, is home to the Air Force Sustainment Center headquarters and the world's largest military maintenance, repair and overhaul operation. 

Gov. Kevin Stitt highlighted the role of Tinker Air Force Base and the Federal Aviation Administration's Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City's aerospace industry. 

“Here in Oklahoma City, we're so proud of it, Tinker Air Force Base,” Stitt said. “Beyond its critical national security mission, Tinker is also the single largest site employer in the state of Oklahoma.”

The Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center also plays a significant role in the region's aviation industry, supporting FAA operations through aviation training, logistics and other technical and administrative services. 

The region's aviation infrastructure also contributes billions in economic activity. Will Rogers World Airport generates approximately $6.1 billion in annual economic impact and supports 30,692 jobs, while Wiley Post Airport contributes more than $377 million and supports 1,713 jobs. 

Statewide, Oklahoma's 107 public-use airports generate $13.8 billion in annual economic impact and support nearly 65,000 jobs. Another $16.8 billion in economic activity comes from approximately 790 off-airport aerospace and defense companies, which collectively support more than 61,000 jobs. 

The industry's growth is also reflected in recent private-sector investments. During the unveiling, Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell highlighted Pratt & Whitney's $255 million Oklahoma City facility, the company's largest military engines field location, which strengthens the aerospace maintenance and sustainment network surrounding Tinker. 

Pinnell also pointed to Tinker's continued expansion, including construction of a new bomber hangar supporting B-52 modernization and preparations for future B-21 Raider maintenance operations. 

Col. Cisco Harris, installation commander at Tinker and commander of the 72nd Air Base Wing, emphasized the installation's role in supporting the next generation of military aircraft. 

"Both these aircraft will demand a new generational approach to depot-level maintenance and advanced manufacturing," Harris said. 

The statewide findings complement research conducted by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber examining the aerospace and aviation industry's economic contributions to the region. 

The Chamber's 2025 Greater OKC Region Aerospace and Aviation Industry Survey identified 338 aerospace establishments employing 45,539 workers directly. Including additional employment supported through supplier purchases and employee spending, the regional industry supports approximately 80,200 jobs and generates $8.8 billion in annual economic output. 

The Chamber's research also found that private aerospace industry output in Greater Oklahoma City increased 36% between 2020 and 2025, demonstrating the industry's continued expansion beyond the region's military installations. 

While the studies examine different geographic areas and use different measures of economic activity, both highlight the aerospace and defense industry's role in supporting jobs, attracting investment and strengthening Oklahoma's economy. 

The Chamber's efforts to strengthen the region's aerospace industry also extend internationally. The Chamber recently partnered with Andalucía TRADE, the Business Agency for Economic Transformation and Development of Andalusia, Spain, to host a delegation of Spanish aerospace and defense companies in Oklahoma City. 

Representatives from Sonaca España, AeroSM, G.A.H.A., Lamaignere Cargo, MADES and Sofitec participated in a networking breakfast with local aerospace industry professionals, providing opportunities to explore potential collaborations and build international business relationships. 

Workforce development remains a priority as the industry expands. During the unveiling, Pinnell noted that 171 Oklahoma high schools now offer aviation and aerospace curriculum, an increase of 55 schools over the past two years. Oklahoma has ranked first nationally for high school aviation curriculum for five consecutive years. 

The combination of military installations, private aerospace companies, aviation infrastructure and workforce development programs continues to position Oklahoma City as a major center for aerospace and defense activity. 

"The future for us has always been aviation and it's never been brighter and we've never been better positioned to take advantage of it," U.S. Rep. Tom Cole said during the unveiling. 

Read the ODAA Aerospace and Defense Industry Economic Impact Study and the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber's aerospace industry study for additional findings.