Power investment supports job growth at Tinker Air Force Base

A newly completed power generation facility near Tinker Air Force Base helps support long-term job growth by strengthening the installation’s ability to carry out mission-critical operations and future aerospace sustainment work.

During remarks at the project’s ribbon cutting, Col. Cisco Harris emphasized that the facility represents more than an energy upgrade. He described it as a direct investment in mission assurance that will allow Tinker’s no-fail operations to continue independently during broader grid disruptions, helping secure the installation’s role in national defense for decades to come.

Tinker Air Force Base is already one of the region’s largest employers and a cornerstone of Oklahoma City’s aerospace economy. According to the Greater Oklahoma City Region Aerospace and Aviation Industry Survey, the aerospace sector includes more than 338 establishments employing 45,539 workers across the metro. Public-sector employment accounts for 33,568 of those jobs, including approximately 26,960 at Tinker Air Force Base.

When multiplier effects are included, the industry supports more than 80,200 total jobs across the regional economy and generates $8.8 billion in annual output. Average aerospace wages in the sector are approximately $87,000 annually, significantly above the regional average.

Strengthening energy security at the installation supports Tinker’s long-term development strategy, which includes approximately $5.5 billion in projected construction over the next decade as part of its Tinker 2035 goals. Planned investments include facilities to support B-21 bomber depot maintenance and B-52 modernization programs.

Tinker has been designated as the exclusive location for B-21 depot maintenance, positioning the installation as a long-term sustainment hub for one of the nation’s next-generation defense platforms. Combined with ongoing modernization programs, the designation is expected to create additional high-quality aerospace jobs tied to maintenance, repair and overhaul operations.

Harris also highlighted the role of state and community partners in bringing the project online, including the Oklahoma Industries Authority, the Oklahoma Strategic Military Planning Commission and OG&E. Through an Energy Assurance Easement, the base secured priority power access and the ability to operate independently of the broader grid during emergencies.

As aerospace continues to rank among Oklahoma’s fastest-growing industry sectors, Harris said investments that strengthen operational continuity at installations like Tinker are critical to supporting future workforce growth tied to national defense programs.