Aerospace & Defense

Where Aerospace & Defense Leaders Choose to Operate

Arlington is one of the nation’s most strategic locations for aerospace and defense companies. Eight of the top 10 U.S. defense contractors maintain a significant presence in Arlington, drawn by unparalleled proximity to federal decision-makers, acquisition offices and mission-critical customers across the Department of Defense and the broader national security community.

As home to the Pentagon, Arlington enables daily engagement with program offices and policymakers while supporting both classified and unclassified operations. This close access accelerates collaboration and long-term program success.

Prime Territory for Federal Contractors 

Arlington’s large concentration of prime contractors anchors a dense and highly interconnected A&D ecosystem, creating natural pathways for teaming, subcontracting and partnerships across the supply chain. For companies supporting complex, long-cycle federal missions, Arlington offers a location that aligns operational efficiency with sustained growth.

For prime contractors, subcontractors and emerging firms alike, Arlington offers direct access to one of the deepest and most active federal contracting environments in the country, supporting both near-term awards and long-term program growth.

A Mission-Ready Aerospace & Defense Workforce

The Washington, D.C. metro region has more than 300,000 science and engineering professionals, forming one of the largest and most specialized technical workforces in the country. This talent base includes deep expertise in systems engineering and integration, cybersecurity, software and digital engineering, and the federal acquisition and procurement environment.

Arlington benefits directly from this concentration of mission-aligned talent. Its dense cluster of aerospace and defense firms attracts professionals with experience supporting complex federal programs, enabling companies to recruit and scale quickly across engineering, program management and operational roles.

Defense and aerospace employers in Arlington also draw from a steady pipeline of transitioning service members and military veterans across the region. Many bring active security clearances and hands-on experience in areas such as project and program management, information technology, logistics, civil engineering and supply chain operations, skills that align closely with the needs of federal contractors.

Together, this combination of technical depth, federal mission experience and cleared talent positions Arlington as a premier location for A&D companies supporting high-priority national security missions.

Specialized Infrastructure and Global Connectivity

Arlington offers infrastructure tailored for aerospace and defense companies operating at the highest levels of federal and international engagement. Its strategic location near Washington, D.C. provides immediate access to federal agencies, program offices and mission-critical customers.

Companies benefit from world-class transportation and logistics networks, including three international airports and high-speed transportation options, ensuring efficient travel for personnel, partners and cargo. Arlington also provides secure facilities designed to meet government and defense standards, alongside a robust ecosystem of professional services, including legal, consulting and financial expertise experienced in supporting complex A&D operations.

This combination of connectivity, secure operations and specialized support enables companies to execute large-scale programs efficiently while remaining fully integrated into the national and global defense ecosystem.

Aerospace and Defense Ecosystem 

Arlington sits within one of the most concentrated aerospace and defense ecosystems in the world, offering companies direct access to industry associations, federally funded research organizations, innovation platforms and mission-focused networks that support growth, collaboration and long-term competitiveness.

Arlington and the surrounding Washington, D.C. metro region are home to leading A&D organizations, including:

• Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
• The Aerospace Corporation (AC)
• Air and Space Forces Association
• Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR)
• Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
• National Aeronautic Association (NAA)
• National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA)
• Space Foundation
• Starburst
• Virginia Values Veterans (V3 Program) 

Together, these organizations create an environment that supports policy engagement, research and development, workforce alignment, innovation and collaboration across the aerospace and defense value chain.