DEFENSE
Reimagining the Arsenal of Democracy
In Michigan, we put the world on wheels with the assembly line more than a century ago. Today, we are uniquely positioned to capture an outsized share of the nation’s defense reinvestment. With over 4,000 defense and 900 aerospace suppliers, 17 military commands and installations, and a $30 billion defense economy employing 166,000+ Michiganders statewide, the state offers unmatched manufacturing capacity, testing assets, and talent.
Governor Whitmer Announces Release of Michigan’s Defense and Aerospace Strategic Plan
As global strategic competition intensifies, the plan positions Michigan to lead in defense, aerospace, maritime, and space innovation, building on the state’s legacy as the Arsenal of Democracy while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation Strategic Plan
Read the PlanU.S. Defense Starts Here. Mission, Vision, and Approach
Mission
To catalyze growth within the state’s defense and aerospace sectors through the advancement of industrial capacity, innovation, and research.
Vision
Michigan is “Reimagining the Arsenal of Democracy,” leveraging legacy, driving innovation, and redefining the future of America’s defense industrial base.
Approach
ODAI's approach involves the following lines of effort.
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Fostering Business Growth within Defense and Aerospace — Drive attraction and retention of high-impact companies and projects.
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Amplifying Michigan’s Unique Advantages — Integrate, activate and expand the state’s unique capabilities, assets and resources.
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Setting Conditions to Advance Innovation — Increase the state’s capacity to accelerate applied R&D, innovation, and technology commercialization.
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.
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.
Cybersecurity Grant Program
Featured News
How Michigan Leads the Defense Industry
No other state offers the dense network of defense companies, military installations, and cutting-edge research institutions that Michigan does – coupled with a drive to innovate for long-term strategic advantage.
Read StoryUpcoming Defense Events
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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.
Featured News
F-15EX Fighter Mission Announced at Selfridge Maintains Michigan’s Defense Legacy and Leadership
Michigan is securing a “game-changing” new mission of F-15EX 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).
Read Press ReleaseTop Michigan Defense Contractors
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.
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.
Featured Partner
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
