Oklahoma officials, military representatives and aerospace industry leaders will gather in Oklahoma City on Oct. 6 for the release of a major economic study examining the statewide impact of aviation, aerospace and defense activity.
The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics will present its 2026 Aerospace and Defense Economic Impact Study at the Oklahoma History Center’s Devon Great Hall. The report is expected to provide updated data on employment, economic activity, investment and growth opportunities across one of Oklahoma’s significant industry sectors.
The event comes as state leaders seek a clearer picture of how aerospace and defense operations contribute to Oklahoma’s economy and where future expansion opportunities may emerge.
Economic Impact Study Marks First Comprehensive Review in Nearly a Decade
According to the department, the 2026 report represents Oklahoma’s first comprehensive aviation and aerospace economic impact study in nearly a decade.
The study is designed to measure the industry’s statewide footprint, including jobs supported by aerospace and defense activities and the broader economic activity generated by businesses, military installations and related organizations.
It will also examine investment and potential areas for future growth, providing policymakers and industry leaders with updated information as they consider workforce, infrastructure and economic development priorities.
The aerospace and defense industry encompasses a broad range of activities in Oklahoma, including aviation operations, aircraft maintenance, manufacturing, military aviation, research and other related services. Updated economic data can help state and local officials assess the sector’s changing role in Oklahoma’s broader economy.
State, Federal and Industry Leaders Scheduled to Participate
The Oct. 6 program will feature several prominent state and federal officials, along with representatives from the military and aerospace industry.
Featured speakers include Governor Kevin Stitt, Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell, Congressman Tom Cole, Congressman Frank Lucas and former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. Additional state, military and industry leaders are also expected to participate.
Their involvement reflects the connections between Oklahoma’s aerospace economy and federal policy, military operations, private-sector investment and state economic development efforts.
The presentation is expected to give attendees an opportunity not only to review the latest economic figures but also to hear perspectives on where Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense sector could head next.
Oklahoma History Center to Host October 6 Event
The event will take place Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City.
A Mix & Mingle session is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m., providing attendees with an opportunity to meet representatives from government, industry and other organizations before the formal presentation.
The main program and study reveal will run from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Devon Great Hall.
The timing of the new study provides Oklahoma with an updated benchmark after years of changes across commercial aviation, defense, advanced aerospace technologies and workforce development.
New Data Could Help Shape Future Aerospace Investment
Economic impact studies can provide governments, companies and development organizations with data for decisions involving workforce programs, infrastructure spending, business recruitment and industry investment.
For Oklahoma, the findings will establish a more current picture of how aviation, aerospace and defense activity is distributed across the state and how the sector contributes to employment and economic output.
The report could also help identify areas where additional investment, workforce development or industry partnerships may support future expansion.
With nearly a decade having passed since Oklahoma’s last comprehensive assessment, the 2026 study is positioned to provide a new baseline for measuring the industry’s performance and tracking future growth.
The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics is encouraging industry representatives, government officials and other interested participants to attend the Oct. 6 presentation at the Oklahoma History Center.
