Oklahoma City – October 06, 2026 -- Oklahoma's aerospace and defense industry generated $52.5 billion in annual economic activity and supported more than 250,000 jobs, according to a new study released by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA).
Study confirms aerospace as Oklahoma's second-largest industry despite pandemic-era aviation downturn
The statewide economic impact study found the sector weathered the COVID-19 disruption to commercial aviation and remains one of the state's fastest-growing industries. Governor Kevin Stitt, members of Oklahoma's congressional delegation, military officials and industry representatives unveiled the findings at the Oklahoma History Center.
"This $52.5 billion impact shows we have the workforce, military assets, and pro-business environment to compete for more jobs, more investment, and more opportunity for Oklahoma families," Stitt said.
Five military installations and 107 airports anchor a three-sector economic base
Military operations -- including five major installations, two Air National Guard units, and a statewide Army National Guard presence -- generated $21.8 billion in annual impact, supporting $7.3 billion in payroll, $14.5 billion in spending, and 133,296 jobs.
Oklahoma's network of 107 public-use airports contributed $13.8 billion in impact, with $4.6 billion in payroll, $9.3 billion in spending, and 64,878 jobs. A separate off-airport segment of 790 aerospace and defense manufacturers, engineering firms, logistics providers and other aviation-dependent employers added $16.8 billion in impact, generating $4.8 billion in payroll, $12 billion in spending, and 61,109 jobs.
Air cargo adds $6.7 billion in activity, tracked separately from the statewide total
Approximately 50,000 tons of cargo moved through Oklahoma airports, generating an estimated $6.7 billion in economic activity and supporting 27,600 jobs. The report notes this figure is analyzed separately and not additive to the $52.5 billion statewide total.
State positions itself around a 'Space Triangle' linking Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Burns Flat
Oklahoma is home to the Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport in Burns Flat, described as the nation's first inland facility licensed for suborbital operations and one of 14 FAA-licensed spaceports nationwide. State leaders say Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Burns Flat together form an "Oklahoma Space Triangle," connecting military and aerospace infrastructure, commercial and military MRO activity, research assets, and emerging commercial space capabilities. The state has also earned a top ranking for readiness in drone commerce, according to the report.
"Companies have choices about where they invest and create jobs, and Oklahoma is proving we can compete with anyone," said Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell.