Defense

The Frontline of the Future

Largest Manufacturing Workforce in the Southeast (Lightcast, 2025)

Largest Military Base in the World at Fort Liberty (Military Installations, 2025)

20K

Active Military Exit into the Civilian Workforce Annually (NC4ME, 2025)

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Defense

Leading Defense Technologies and Innovation

Home to the world’s largest military base, North Carolina stands at the forefront of national defense. The state’s strong technology network and world-class education system drive advances in industries with heavy military application including aerospace, cybersecurity, textiles, and more. This thriving ecosystem fuels defense innovation, supports commercial applications, and creates career opportunities—positioning North Carolina at the forefront of US defense research, development, and manufacturing.

For the Fifth Year in a Row, North Carolina Ranks in Top Three States to Do Business

CNBC named North Carolina as second-best state to do business and in the top three for the fifth year in a row thanks to our well-trained and diverse workforce, booming economy, and strong business environment.

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A top-notch tech innovation ecosystem, defense contractor opportunities, academic and industry partnerships, and an expansive commitment to national defense will help your company succeed here.

US Armed Forces Military Installations

$7.3B

in Federal DoD contracts awarded in 2024

Top 10

Most Attractive State - Aerospace Manufacturing

94K

Active- Duty Military Stationed in NC

Expansive Commitment to National Defense

The NC Department of Military and Veteran Affairs ensures that our veterans, military members, and their families are supported while other partnerships exist to focus on developing innovative defense technologies.

A shallow focus shot of a smiling American soldier carrying his baby

Active-Duty Military Makes Its Mark Here

North Carolina has the 4th-largest active-duty military population in the US. Over 20,000 (mostly aged 30 and younger) military personnel with in-demand experience in fields like engineering, IT, healthcare, and more re-enter the workforce each year.

Top-Notch Training and Maintenance Infrastructure

Multiple training, research, and maintenance facilities are near NC’s military installations. The Fleet Readiness Center East serves as a Naval Aviation maintenance and repair depot and NC’s Global TransPark offers the Composite Center of Excellence training center.

High Tech Research and Development

The Research Triangle Park in the Raleigh-Durham area is home to major federal defense contractors like IBM and GlaxoSmithKline. Five Tier-1 universities support research and development efforts in cybersecurity, AI, robotics, and more.

Defense Companies in North Carolina

North Carolina is committed to maintaining the technological advantage for the nation and our Armed Forces. Blue-chip companies performing defense-related work in North Carolina include:

GE Aviation

Honeywell

Lockheed Martin

Pratt & Whitney

RTX Corporation

Bae Systems

Boeing

Booz Allen Hamilton

General Dynamics

GM Defense

IBM

Northrop Grumman

We chose North Carolina for its infrastructure, its consistent ranking as one of the top states to do business, its world-class education system, and its outstanding and diverse workforce.

Christopher P. Reynolds

Executive Vice President Toyota Motor North America

Frequently Asked Questions

How many military bases are located in North Carolina?

North Carolina is honored to have a long-established military presence with elite warfighters and a world-class education system that works hand-in-hand on a variety of partnerships. Our state is home to eight military installations, an Army Research office, as well as DoD, Army, and Air Force Innovation Offices.
Is there a skilled workforce available with experience in aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing?

More than 20,000 military personnel (mostly aged 30 and younger) with in-demand experience in fields like engineering, IT, and healthcare re-enter North Carolina’s workforce each year.

The state also partners with the North Carolina Community College System to help businesses build and sustain a skilled workforce for specific industries, like defense. The program, NCEdge, offers companies workforce development strategies that align with their unique business needs and goals. NCEdge supports new, expanding, and existing businesses in North Carolina by providing flexible training solutions for up to three years, with costs covered by the state.

More About NCEdge
How does North Carolina support defense companies?
The state supports its growing national security innovation community in many ways, including:
- Availability of free defense-related small business counseling, collaboration, and education opportunities.
- Performance-based incentive programs to help companies that are locating to and doing business in North Carolina.
- A unique matching fund program for North Carolina companies that win federal small business innovation contracts.