Aerospace and Defense in Kansas - Kansas Department of Commerce Skip Navigation Business News Governor Kelly Announces Indra Group to Invest Nearly $7.5M to Manufacture Air Traffic Radars in Kansas March 23, 2026 Gov. 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This is nearly 20 percent of the state’s total exports. Air Capital of the World $7 billion contribution to KS GDP $2.25 billion in annual aerospace exports #3 largest concentration of aviation workers in U.S. During the 1940s, Boeing’s B-29 Superfortresses rolled off Wichita’s assembly lines. In 1954, Wichita began producing the iconic B-52 bombers. Today, Kansas is home to a cluster of 450 supply chain companies who provide engineering and manufacturing support for our nation’s defense industrial base, and our workforce is well versed in the nuances of Department of Defense programs. Our military installations such as McConnell AFB, Ft. Riley, Ft. Leavenworth and Forbes Field are another fantastic source for creating a pipeline of experienced personnel to support key DOD programs. Kansas is home to two of the world’s premier general aviation aircraft manufacturers – Bombardier Learjet and Textron Aviation’s Beechcraft and Cessna Now, more than 110 years since the first plane was built in Kansas, the state remains a vibrant hub for aviation manufacturing, delivering approximately one-third of all general aviation planes built in the U.S. Kansas manufacturers leverage low operating costs, a highly skilled workforce and world-class research institutions to design and build some of the most iconic planes in the world. In fact, Wichita – the largest city in Kansas – is recognized globally as the Air Capital of the World . This designation is largely based on the city’s rich history in the early days of aviation and the concentration of aviation and defense research, development and manufacturing located there today. Spirit AeroSystems , the world’s largest tier-one aerostructures manufacturer, calls Wichita, Kansas, home. Industry-aligned Education & Research Institutions Perhaps no other state in the country offers the breadth and depth of education and training as Kansas. Kansas education and research institutions are well-known as some of the best in the world, providing students with real-world expertise and employers with direct access to an ascending pipeline of talent. National Center for Aviation Training The National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) provides industry-driven training courses for the aviation manufacturing industry. NCAT gives students the opportunity to receive hands-on, real-world training in aviation manufacturing and aircraft and power plant mechanics. National Institute for Aviation Research The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University is the largest applied aerospace research and development academic institution in the nation. NIAR provides research, design, testing, certification and training to industry, government agencies, educational entities and other clients. NIAR’s clients include Boeing, NASA, Spirit AeroSystems, the Federal Aviation Administration, Textron Aviation to name a few. WSU Innovation Campus The Innovation Campus brings together industry expertise and Wichita State University’s research, commercialization and education capabilities. Several companies have located operations on the campus and conducted research in partnership with university engineers and scientists. The largest of these is Airbus, whose engineering center is the company’s most significant outside of Europe, with approximately 200 employees. Kansas State University Salina As one of the leading aviation universities in the country, Kansas State University Salina offers three instrument runways, labs, state-of-the-art flight training devices, an operational dispatch center, an aviation maintenance training hangar and a nationally recognized uncrewed aircraft systems program. Various micro-credentials, certificates and degrees are offered in aviation maintenance management, aviation management, professional pilot, and uncrewed aircraft systems. University of Kansas The University of Kansas, the state’s largest university, offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in in aerospace engineering. The program is undergoing a rapid expansion of students and faculty, as well as research investment. Core research strengths include unmanned aerial systems, computational fluid dynamics, composite and adaptive structures, and robotics and control. #1 ranked college in industry-funded aerospace research – WSU Interested in bringing your aerospace or defense company to Kansas? Explore Kansas’ key industries and learn how you can be part of the next Kansas success story. Manufacturing thrives in Kansas. Kansas is specialized in several major advanced manufacturing subsectors and is poised for additional future growth. Advanced Manufacturing A growing number of companies are choosing Kansas to locate their headquarters and professional services, tapping into the state’s highly qualified, educated workforce. Corporate & Professional Services Location and infrastructure are critical to a business’ ability to be competitive. There’s no state better suited for your logistics and distribution operations than Kansas. Logistics & Distribution Known as America’s breadbasket, Kansas produces nearly 20 percent of all wheat grown in the U.S. While our roots in agriculture are deep and well known, specialty food and beverage manufacturers and consumer brands have also embraced Kansas as home for their operations. Food Processing and Manufacturing Kansas has a proud history as an aerospace manufacturing leader. Some of the industry’s earliest pioneers, including Clyde Cessna, Walter and Olive Anne Beech and Lloyd Stearman made Kansas their home. Help us write the next chapter for the industry in our state. Aerospace & Defense The animal health sector in Kansas continues to grow in both size and influence. Anchored by Manhattan, Kansas, and Columbia, Missouri, the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor is the single largest concentration of animal health interests in the world. Animal Health Kansas’ investment in the life sciences continues to attract biotech companies from around the globe. Bioscience Grown from the middle. Agriculture As an agricultural leader and a state blessed with tremendous natural resources, Kansas is well positioned to be a forerunner in renewable energy production. Energy & Natural Resources Business Resources Incentives & Financing, Taxes, Credits & Exemptions, Site Selection, Doing Business in Kansas Quality Places Infrastructure assessment, community planning, development support, and downtown activation Workforce Services Find a Job, Job Seeker Services, Employer Services TRAVEL KANSAS Plan your trip to Kansas. Places to visit, things to do. Order a free Travel Guide. International Exporting Programs & Services, Investment, Reshoring Transparency Database Quality Places Broadband Careers Federal Compliance Cookie Policy All content © 2006-2026 Kansas Department of Commerce, KS and its representatives. All rights reserved. Linked In Website by Imagemakers We use cookies essential for this site to function well. 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