Defense | Industries | Michigan Business

Michigan is home to the nation’s largest ground vehicle defense companies and U.S. DoD major industry such as General Dynamics Land Systems, BAE Systems, GE Aviation, GM Defense, and more.

The Michigan National Guard boasts five major installations and additional armories, including the National All-Domain Training Center in Grayling, and one of the largest Air National Guard bases in the nation at Selfridge in Macomb County.

Nearly 4,000 Michigan businesses are engaged in defense and aerospace work.

Michigan’s defense sector supports more than 166,000 Michigan jobs.

The defense industry contributes $30 billion in economic activity for the state of Michigan. In 2020, the economic impact of defense spending to Michigan was up 8%.

The Detroit Arsenal is home to 9 U.S. Army organizations representing acquisition, logistics and technology (ALT), that includes two program executive offices, an Army acquisition center, and an Army futures command (Next Generation Combat Vehicles and Ground Vehicle System Center).

WATCH: 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.

Defense Success Stories

Northern Wings Repair

From their meager beginnings in a pole barn in the Upper Peninsula, Northern Wings has discovered that with the help and support of MEDC and its network of partners, the sky is the limit for its continued success. Read more...

Niowave

Laser technology is moving fast in Michigan. Looking to create the "Holy Grail" of lasers, the U.S. Navy turned to Lansing-based Niowave, Inc. to help develop their next generation of weaponry. Aided by a tax incentive package that allowed them to expand their facility and add more employees, Niowave is perfectly positioned to develop a free electron laser that's powerful enough to knock missiles out of the sky from miles away. It's just another example of how reaching new heights in high tech is Pure Michigan.

TM3 Systems

Deploying what you want, where you want it. In this technologically-advanced age, the military is looking to do this and more. That’s why they’re turning to companies like TM3 Systems, the premier developer of mobile microgrid power management systems. Following investments from the Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund, TM3 is creating solutions that reduce fossil fuel consumption while increasing remote quality and reliability. Giving the military a source of power that’s Pure Michigan.

Explore Michigan's Core Industries

Mobility and Automotive Manufacturing

Michigan is the past, present and future of the global automotive industry.

Engineering Design and Development

As the world leader in automotive and mobility R&D, Michigan is driving the next generation of industry innovation.

Professional and Corporate Services

Companies continue to choose Michigan to locate their headquarters and businesses, tapping into the concentration of talent available for professional and corporate services industries.

Advanced Manufacturing

Michigan is building on its rich manufacturing heritage and technological know-how to develop the innovative, high-tech products of the future.

Medical Device Technology

Michigan’s manufacturing prowess and core of world-class medical device companies make the state a top tier location for medical device development and manufacturing.

Tech

Michigan is leading the way in developing innovative solutions for protecting the security of systems and people across the state, country and world.

PURE DEFENSE