Defense

Defense

THE FRONTLINE OF THE FUTURE

A top-notch tech innovation ecosystem. Deep Department of Defense, academic, and industry partnerships. An expansive commitment to national defense. Your company can find success here. Join our ranks today.

Download Defense Brochure

CNBC Top State for Business 2022, 2023#2 State for Women in Tech#1 largest manufacturing workforce in the southeast
Top-notch Tech Innovation Ecosystem

North Carolina ranks #4 in the nation for technology job growth. Home to the nation’s largest research park (RTP), North Carolina boasts the highest share of industry-funded research in the nation at our top universities.

Deep DoD, Academic, and Industry Partnerships

With 7 major military bases, NC has numerous university and industry partnerships with the DoD and Intel communities, including USASOC, JSOC, ARL, NSA, and more. These long-standing relationships combined with a robust defense industrial base that invest heavily in future technologies make NC the premier location for defense companies.

Expansive Commitment to National Defense

Our state is home to numerous statewide offices that facilitate an understanding of and support to national defense. The NC Department of Military and Veteran Affairs ensures that our military members, their families, and our veterans are supported. Public and private partnerships focused on developing and promoting cutting edge defense technologies make NC a leader in national defense.

4th LARGEST ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY WORKFORCE IN THE NATION

North Carolina has the 4th-largest active-duty military population in the US, with over 18,000 military personnel re-entering the workforce each year. The majority of individuals leaving the military each year are 30 years old or younger and have in-demand experience in fields such as engineering, information technology, healthcare, communications, research and more.

LOW COST OF DOING BUSINESS

The lowest corporate income tax in the US makes NC a smart location for defense contractors. Our low cost of doing business makes our state even more business-friendly – from building costs 14% below the national average, electricity costs 22.6% below the national average, and the costs of living is 11% below the national average.

OUTSTANDING INFRASTRUCTURE

Access to customers is made easy thanks to NC’s prime location on the eastern seaboard. With four international airports, two deepwater seaports and extensive railways and interstates, our unparalleled infrastructure can help you accelerate your growth.

PROTECTING & SHAPING TOMORROW

North Carolina is driving the future of defense.

Innovation is elemental here. Especially when it comes to the defense industry, where AI, cybersecurity, biotech, microelectronics, and quantum computing all work together as one. See why North Carolina is the frontline of the future.

IN GOOD COMPANY

Booz Allen Hamilton Logo
Cisco Logo
Collins Aerospace Logo
GE Aviation Logo
Honeywell Logo
IBM Logo
Lenovo Logo
Red Hat
RTI Logo
SAS

Want to learn more about NC's thriving defense industry?