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Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth announced on Wednesday 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, a former national president of the Aerospace States Association, highlighted the importance of a statewide approach to ensure that all 67 counties benefit from the jobs and economic impact these industries provide.
“Alabama is the aerospace and defense capital of the world,” Ainsworth stated. “More than 103 Alabama companies participate in the Artemis program that will soon take us back to the moon, and Mobile is on its way to becoming one of the largest commercial aerospace manufacturing cities on the planet. But even with these impressive benchmarks, we can do more.”
Ainsworth told reporters Wednesday that he is hopeful the coalition can help bring Space Command headquarters to Huntsville with the help of President-elect Donald Trump. The headquarters was originally destined for Huntsville under Trump’s previous administration, but the Biden administration changed course and planned to locate the headquarters in Colorado.
“It’s some of the worst politics I’ve seen,” Ainsworth said.
Headquartered within the offices of Manufacture Alabama, a pro-business advocacy and trade group active in Montgomery for nearly three decades, the 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, which represents 7.5 percent of the state’s GDP, and providing 63,258 jobs with an annual payroll impact of $4.3 billion. Additionally, the military personnel and defense 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 installations and NASA suppliers in all seven congressional districts, Alabama has established itself as a key player in aerospace and defense. The AADC brings together influential companies and organizations in these sectors to secure Alabama’s position as a hub for innovation and economic growth. The council is committed to advocating for policies that will further expand these industries, ensuring the benefits are felt across the state.
