Michigan’s Defense and Aerospace Strategic Plan Reimagines the Arsenal of Democracy for the 21st Century

LANSING, Mich. – Today, while at the Munich Security Conference, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the release of Michigan’s Defense and Aerospace Strategic Plan, a five-year roadmap designed to grow the state’s defense and aerospace sectors, strengthening national security, and creating high-paying jobs that support Michigan’s economy. 

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 has always stepped up when our nation needed us most,” said Governor Whitmer. “We built the machines that helped win wars, powered global industry, and created generations of middle-class jobs. Our Defense and Aerospace Strategic Plan ensures Michigan is ready to lead again, by growing our economy, strengthening our supply chains, and supporting the men and women in uniform who defend our country. Let’s continue to deliver good-paying jobs, innovation, and ensure Michigan remains a cornerstone of America’s security and prosperity.” 

The Defense and Aerospace Strategic Plan was developed by the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI) within the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). ODAI was established in April 2024 as the successor to the Michigan Defense Center, which was created by Public Act 317 of 2006 to support, protect, and grow Michigan’s defense and homeland security industry. 

The plan serves as a living document, combining a clear mission and vision with adaptable appendices to guide Michigan’s efforts over the next five years as technology, national priorities, and global conditions evolve. 

“Our mission is clear: to catalyze growth in Michigan’s defense and aerospace sectors by advancing industrial capacity, innovation, and research,” said Col. John T. Gutierrez, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), executive director of ODAI at MEDC. “This strategic plan gives Michigan a focused, coordinated roadmap to compete —and lead—nationally and globally. It aligns our industry, universities, workforce, and defense assets so companies can innovate here, build here, and win here, creating lasting economic growth across the state.” 

The strategic plan is organized around three integrated lines of effort: 

1. Fostering Business Growth within Defense and Aerospace– Strengthening Michigan’s pipeline of high-impact projects, supporting dual-use technologies, expanding attraction, retention, and expansion efforts, and elevating Michigan’s profile through the national “Reimagine the Arsenal of Democracy” campaign. 
2. Amplifying Michigan’s Unique Advantages– Leveraging the state’s skilled workforce, world-class universities, robust manufacturing base, and defense assets to convert opportunity into impact, while preparing suppliers and workers to meet national defense needs. 
3. Setting Conditions to Advance Innovation– Accelerating applied research, expanding testing and evaluation capabilities, attracting innovation-driven enterprises, and ensuring Michigan remains a leader in next-generation defense and aerospace technologies. 

The plan also emphasizes close coordination with the Michigan National Guard and the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, ensuring the state’s defense assets and service members remain integral to innovation and readiness. 

“Reimagining the Arsenal of Democracy for the 21st century means ensuring Michigan’s defense assets, service members and industry remain central to innovation and operational readiness,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “Michigan has a proven history of delivering decisive capability to the nation and that mission continues today through advanced manufacturing, emerging technologies and a growing defense and aerospace industrial base. By supporting, protecting and growing this ecosystem, we strengthen the Joint Force, accelerate innovation at speed and scale and ensure Michigan remains a strategic contributor to national defense and allied security well into the future.” 

This strategic plan builds on Michigan’s continuing momentum in the defense and aerospace sector. Earlier this month, the Department of Defense designated Michigan’s National All-Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC) as a national range for deep uncrewed aerial systems testing. The Army and National Guard Bureau selected NADWC as its designated national range for deep uncrewed aerial systems training due to a unique combination of capabilities, permissive drone testing policies, and proximity to tech innovation industry leaders in Michigan. In April 2025, Gov. Whitmer secured a game-changing new F-15EX fighter mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County to grow Michigan’s economy, bring new aircraft, keep expert talent in the state, and support military and civilian jobs at the base.  

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.