Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth on Wednesday announced the creation of the Alabama Aerospace and Defense Council (AADC), a new coalition that will advocate for policies to grow Alabama’s aerospace and defense industries. Ainsworth, former national president of the Aerospace States Association, highlighted the importance of a statewide approach to ensure all 67 counties benefit from the jobs and economic impact these industries provide.

“Alabama is the aerospace and defense capital of the world,” Ainsworth said. “More than 103 Alabama companies are participating in the Artemis program that will soon take us back to the moon, and Mobile is on track to become one of the largest commercial aerospace manufacturing cities on the planet. But even with these impressive benchmarks, we can do more.”

Headquartered in the offices of Manufacture Alabama, a trade and business advocacy group active in Montgomery for nearly three decades, AADC aims to expand Alabama’s role in national defense, aerospace manufacturing and space exploration. The council’s goal is to strengthen Alabama’s industrial footprint by fostering connections between industry leaders and policymakers.

The economic impact of Alabama’s aerospace industry is substantial, totaling $17.4 billion, representing 7.5 percent of the state’s GDP and providing 63,258 jobs with an annual payroll impact of 4,300. million dollars. Additionally, military and defense personnel contracts in Alabama contribute an economic impact of $50.3 billion, supporting nearly 265,000 jobs and accounting for more than $19.3 billion in payroll.

With five major military facilities and NASA suppliers across seven congressional districts, Alabama has established itself as a key player in the aerospace and defense sector. The AADC brings together influential businesses and organizations in these sectors to ensure Alabama’s position as a center of innovation and economic growth. The council is committed to advocating for policies that will further expand these industries, ensuring the benefits are felt throughout the state.