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Reimagining the Arsenal of Democracy

In Michigan, we put the world on wheels with the assembly line more than a century ago. Today, our manufacturing roots and heritage of innovation are driving the next evolution of defense and aerospace with the launch of Michigan’s Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI). The ODAI supports a defense industry that contributes $30 billion in economic activity for Michigan, with more than 166,000 jobs and nearly 4,000 Michigan businesses serving the defense, defense aerospace and homeland security industries.

U.S. Defense Starts Here. Mission, Vision, and Approach

Mission

The Mission of the Michigan office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation is to bolster the state's defense and aerospace sectors.

Vision

To forge a future rooted in the legacy of the Arsenal of Democracy and Innovation - a future where Michigan leads in the defense and aerospace markets of tomorrow.

Approach

ODAI's approach involves the following lines of effort.

  1. Fostering Business Growth within the Defense and Aerospace Sectors

  2. Amplifying the State's Unique Advantages

  3. Setting Conditions to Accelerate Innovation

Business Support Services

Proposal & Grant Writing

Improve your chances of winning a federal contract with this grant program that assist Michigan firms in writing a winning bid response. Grant funds can subsidize up to 50% of the cost of proposal writing services.

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Bid Targeting System

BTS is a online software that helps identify and prioritize federal contracts right for your business. With thousands of federal contracts available, BTS uses your business profile to automatically identify federal contract opportunities.

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Cybersecurity Grant Program

This comprehensive, one-stop shop provides a solution to the federal mandate, driving standardization, accountability and cost-effectiveness for Michigan’s small and medium-sized defense contractors.

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F15-EX Fighter Mission Announced at Selfridge Maintains Michigan’s Defense Legacy and Leadership

F15-EX Fighter Mission Announced at Selfridge Maintains Michigan’s Defense Legacy and Leadership

Michigan is securing a “game-changing” new mission of F15-EX fighters at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The Boeing aircraft is expected to replace the remaining F15C/D fighters in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard. With its legacy of serving F-16s and A-10s, Selfridge is well equipped to support a fighter mission, which includes not just aircraft but also auxiliary and support staff and materials. This news builds on the successful, bipartisan effort to secure a new KC-46A tanker mission at the base, which was announced in January 2024, and Michigan’s long-standing leadership in the defense sector with the help and support of the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI).

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Made for the Mission Ahead: Michigan Powers America's Defense Industry

Michigan’s strong R&D assets, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing expertise, and exceptional skilled and engineering workforce, make the state a leader in the defense-sector and related industries.

Calling all Innovators

Defense Hardtech Accelerator

Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University has launched the Defense Hardtech Accelerator (DHA) Program to help the U.S. Department of Defense identify and assist companies with promising technologies that support the needs for our nation’s defense. Apply to compete for up to $250,000 to mature your high tech product offering and expedite your transition into production.

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Top Michigan Defense Contractors

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Mission Focused. Michigan Made.

Michigan is where the automotive industry got its start. More than 100 years later, it’s still the global center and nexus of commercial automotive, electrification and military vehicle technology. Locating in Michigan is an opportunity for your company to connect to the next generation of vehicle innovation and cybersecurity leaders, as well as leverage world-class research, talent, manufacturing and technology assets.

MEDC leads the state's Protect and Grow Initiative, a comprehensive statewide effort for Michigan’s Defense, Defense Aerospace and Homeland Security Sectors. 

Why Michigan for Defense

Defense News & Success Stories

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Saab facility to bring 70 high-paying jobs to Grayling Township

Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined leaders from Saab and the state of Michigan to celebrate the launch of the new $75 million facility in Grayling Township, which will create 70 high-quality local jobs, increase domestic manufacturing, and strengthen our national defense.

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Gov. Whitmer Promotes Michigan’s Aerospace, Defense Opportunities in Historic Investment Mission to the United Arab Emirates

Whitmer kicks off a historic investment mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain to strengthen Michigan’s economic ties in the region, boost job creation, meeting with women leaders for a roundtable discussion to highlight issues facing women leaders globally, and showcase the state’s leadership in the defense and aerospace industries.

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Press Release

Infrastructure for Innovation Agreement to Spur Entrepreneurial Prowess by Leveraging Michigan’s National Guard Resources

Michigan is first in the nation to take this proactive, strategic approach to broadening access to physical infrastructure for innovators

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Press Release

50 New Jobs in Key Defense and Aerospace Industries Created in Oakland County

Barron Industries will be investing in their facility in Oxford to help advance Michigan’s position as a high-tech hub for defense and aerospace industries. The investment will create 50 new, high-tech and innovative jobs through a $9.1 million in capital.

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News

Whitmer Announces Unmanned Triple Challenge, A Drone Competition Over Land, Water, and Air in 2025

At the Michigan Defense Expo (MDEX), Governor Whitmer announced the Unmanned Triple Challenge, a state-sponsored competition to drive innovation in autonomous drone technology. Entrants will be tasked with using unmanned, autonomous drones to seamlessly transport a package across Michigan traversing air, land, and water.

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Press Release

Michigan Displays Defense Prowess with Military Exercise

The country’s largest National Guard Bureau-sponsored military exercise took place across Northern Michigan with over 7,000 participants from 25 states, one territory and four international partners.

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Success Story

Great Lakes Sound & Vibration

Defense manufacturer, Great Lakes Sound & Vibration, breaks sales goals and expands with assistance from Michigan Economic Development Corporation to support military contracts and international trade.

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Success Story

JetCo Solutions

JetCo is a full-service government sales consulting firm that covers the entire government sales and marketing lifecycle – from research and bid writing through complete government capture services.

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Michigan's National Security Defense Industry Assets

From the Upper Peninsula to Southeast Michigan, Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security defense industry assets can be found across the state.

Connect with APEX Accelerators, Michigan's Government Contracting Experts

Michigan Alliance of APEX Accelerators is a not-for-profit organization made up of 10 different offices across the State of Michigan, which are dedicated to helping businesses understand and succeed in the government marketplace.

Michigan is an Industry Leader