Aerospace and defense industry is becoming Oklahoma’s second-largest and fastest-growing sector reports the Oklahoma Commerce Department.
The industry has such an impact on Oklahoma’s economy that it merits a recently-created caucus in the state legislature. The Aerospace Caucus was formed in 2019 by Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, who is a former Air Force officer.
“With a workforce of over 120,000 across more than 1,100 companies, the aerospace and defense industry has become the state’s second-largest — and fastest-growing — sector, generating a $44 billion economic impact,” wrote Leshia Pearson, director of aerospace and defense for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce in a Dec. 1 article for the National Defense Industrial Association magazine, reported the Lawton Constitution, a sister publication of OK Energy Today in the Hilliary Communications family.
“Oklahoma is also home to industry leaders like Boeing, Pratt & Whitney and more than 4,200 manufacturing firms, fueling the economy with $5.71 billion in exports,” she said.
Aerospace Career Fairs Planned Across Oklahoma
In an effort to offer opportunities to employers and job seekers, the Oklahoma ACES (Aerospace Commerce Economic Services) Program will be holding two free career fairs in the upcoming months. The Tulsa Technology Center will host the first one on Wednesday, March 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rose State College in Midwest City will host the second fair on Wednesday, April 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Job seekers will be able to explore career opportunities in Oklahoma’s thriving aerospace industry while connecting with leading employers. In addition to gaining valuable job search tips, candidates will have the opportunity to interview with potential employers on site.
Employers will benefit from the sessions by finding and interviewing skilled talent and the opportunity to network with top aerospace professionals. ACES was established during the 2018 legislative session with a primary goal to create and implement a common statewide strategy for the economic growth of Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industry, noted the website at oklahoma.gov/aerospace.
Available resources are focused to promote cooperation and collaboration among businesses, manufacturers, military installations, commercial aviation, educational institutions, nonprofit research institutions and state government.
Aviation Education
Oklahoma ranks first in the nation for the number of high schools offering aviation-based education, Pearson wrote.
In Fiscal Year 2025, the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics announced a landmark investment of nearly $2 million in aerospace and aviation education program funding, according to a press release at oklahoma.gov/aerospace.
“With a record number of grant applications and aviation high schools implementing high quality STEM based aerospace curriculum across the state, Oklahoma is set to continue leading the country in training the next generation of pilots, engineers, mechanics, technicians and other professionals that are critical to the safe operation of our National Airspace System,” the release said.
Grants awarded in southwest Oklahoma for FY2025 include Altus Public Schools, $9,000; Indiahoma Public School, $8,000; Oklahoma Science & Engineering Foundation First Lego League, $5,000; Cameron University, $2,455; Grandfield Public Schools, $2,800; and Fires Innovation Science & Technology Accelerator, $1,699.
Since FY2001, ODAA has provided $5.1 million in aerospace and education funding to organizations and programs throughout the state. Programs are also available at Chickasha High School, Canadian Valley Technology Center, Duncan High School, Velma-Alma High School, Red River Technology Center, Carnegie High School, Fort Cobb-Broxton High School, Anadarko High School, Cache High School, Lawton MacArthur High School, Lawton High School, and Great Plains Technology Center.
“Few things have been as impactful to Oklahoma schools as the recent growth of aviation education,” Statewide Aerospace STEM Education Manager Paula Kedy said in the press release. “With the support of the ODAA and by developing partnerships with local airports and industry leaders, Oklahoma schools are arming students to enter our state’s growing aerospace industry.”
Firehawk Aerospace
Last May, Firehawk Aerospace, an Addison, Texas-based leader in hybrid rocket propulsion technology, announced it will invest $45 million to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Lawton.
A press release by the Lawton Fort Sill Economic Development Corporation said $22 million will be invested in advanced machinery and other improvements to equip the new $23 million manufacturing facility. At least 100 high-tech jobs are expected to be created.
Firehawk will serve as a hub for the design, production and testing of advanced propulsion systems. The company utilizes 3D-printed solid rocket fuel to produce safer, more efficient and cost-effective hybrid engines.
“Firehawk’s decision to establish its manufacturing operations in Lawton is a testament to our city’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and advanced manufacturing,” Lawton-Fort Sill EDC President Brad Cooksey said in the May press release. “This partnership is a perfect example of what is possible when we leverage the strengths of the entire Lawton-Fort Sill community to support Oklahoma’s thriving aerospace and defense industry and attract quality jobs for our citizens.”
In December, the Lawton Constitution reported that the City Council had recently awarded a demolition contract, extended a moratorium, and approved funding for design of a sanitary sewer main extension to serve the Firehawk Aerospace facility.
FISTA
Firehawk Aerospace already had a presence in Lawton’s FISTA Innovation Park located in Central Plaza. FISTA, an acronym for Fires Innovation Science and Technology Accelerator, is a premier defense and innovation park, which brings together innovators from students to senior engineers, civic leaders and national defense contractors.
Last November, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for FISTA’s new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) lab. It’s a $10 million project financed with federal American Rescue Plan Act funds with a goal of “building the next generation of innovators, engineers, and technologists right here in southwest Oklahoma,” said information at fista.com.
Oklahoma Legislature’s Aerospace Caucus
Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, a former Air Force officer, launched the Aerospace Caucus in the legislature in 2019. He was elected to the Oklahoma Senate in 2016.
When established, according to a recent Senate press release, it was one of the first among state legislatures. In addition to monthly meetings during the legislative session, which are attended by staff from the ODAA, caucus members also visit companies, military bases and airports throughout the state.
Pugh recently announced that he has turned the reigns of the caucus over to Sen. Kelly Hines, R-Oklahoma City, after seven years of service. Hines is a distinguished retired Army aviator.
“Over the last several decades, Oklahoma has implemented a series of aggressive policies to establish itself as a national leader in the aerospace and defense industry. These policies focus on tax incentives, workforce development, infrastructure investment in Unmanned Aerial systems (UAS) and expanding the commercial space industry,” the Jan. 28 release said.