Aerospace and Defense

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Launchpad for success

For six decades, NASA’s Stennis Space Center – located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast – has played a pivotal role in our nation’s aerospace and defense industry.. With its state-of-the-art rocket and jet engine testing facilities and research institutions, Stennis maintains one of the greatest concentrations of aerospace and defense personnel in the country. Mississippi offers a robust portfolio of resources and advantages, such as the Aerospace Initiative Incentives Program and our proximity to major military installations, to help industry leaders in this vital sector soar above and beyond the competition.

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Aerospace Industry Snapshot University of Mississippi Aeroacoustics R&D Raspet Flight Research Laboratory FAA’s Center of Excellence for UAS Research

Top 50 schools for aerospace in the U.S.

Mississippi State University, Department of Aerospace Engineering

MSU named UAS Center of Excellence

The FAA has designated Mississippi State University as the Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Birthplace to Jim Henson

Legendary puppeteer and visionary behind the Muppets and Kermit the Frog, Henson was born in Greenville and spent his childhood in Mississippi

Major Employers

Revolutionary businesses and global leaders choose Mississippi to take their ideas to astronomical heights.

From Mississippi to Mars

Out of this world ideas revolutionizing the industry

Aerospace and defense companies with ideas that are out of this world are bringing them to life in Mississippi, thanks to the many available resources and strong business environment offered by the state. Businesses like Relativity, which produces the world’s first 3D printed rockets, and Vertex Aerospace rely on Mississippi to help their ideas take flight.

Dominating the skies

Decades of work in aviation has put Mississippi on the map for aerospace manufacturing

Mississippi is proud to support companies such as GE Aviation and Airbus Helicopters that produce dependable and world-class products for commercial and general aviation use. In fact, every commercial airplane in the world has at least one component made in Mississippi.

Protecting U.S. interests around the world

Our strategic location and strong workforce work to keep our military personnel safe

Thanks to companies who choose to do business in Mississippi, our military remains strong. Lockheed Martin, Tyonek and Raytheon are just a few examples of industry-leading companies who rely on Mississippi’s location and workforce to provide cutting-edge technologies for our military.

Navigating the seas

By air or by sea, Mississippi provides world-class defense technologies for our military.

Industry-leading, global companies have decided to drop anchor in Mississippi where they design, produce and manufacture the highest quality vessels. From Huntington Ingalls to Halter Marine, Mississippi provides the most secure and reliable systems to our government and military personnel so they can protect the U.S., both at home and abroad.

Our workforce

Mississippi boasts a talented, skilled and productive workforce. Mississippians work hard to ensure they not only meet, but exceed, the needs and expectations of companies in various industries throughout the state.

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Igniting research

Mississippi is home to some of the nation’s leading research and development institutions. With business incubators located around the state, we encourage and motivate innovative individuals to dream big.

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