This week, Northeast Indiana once again takes center stage as leaders from across the nation gather for the 4th annual Defense Summit. With guests such as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, US Senator Jim Banks, and senior defense executives from across the country, this event is a powerful signal on Northeast Indiana’s role in securing our nation’s future.
Northeast Indiana has long been home to some of the most innovative defense and aerospace companies in the country, including L3Harris, BAE Systems, Raytheon, and Ultra Electronics. Together, they help design, engineer, and produce the leading technology that keep our troops and citizens safe, including encrypted radios, tactical vehicles, advanced sensors, command and control systems, and components for space and missile defense.
Since 2020, businesses in Northeast Indiana have been awarded nearly $2.5 billion in Department of Defense contracts, a testament to the trust the federal government places in our ability to deliver critical capabilities faster and more efficiently than anywhere else in the country.
Our region’s unique combination of talent, infrastructure, and collaboration makes this possible. With 95,000 skilled manufacturing workers and 4,500 engineers, Northeast Indiana produces results at a lower cost to the taxpayer while maintaining the highest standards of innovation and reliability. Our region sits within 225 miles of six of the nation’s top 15 engineering schools and matriculates over 10,000 students each year through our Northeast Indiana Colleges and Universities Network. This is a talent pipeline built for defense and aerospace excellence.
Our infrastructure is equally strategic. The Fort Wayne International Airport, with its 12,000-foot runway and ongoing multimillion-dollar modernization, supports commercial and cargo operations for the defense sector and serves as a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ #182). Combined with our strong logistics network and proximity to major engineering hubs like Detroit, Chicago, and Indianapolis, we offer defense companies unmatched access, speed, and efficiency.
From the 122nd Fighter Wing at the Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base to our thriving ecosystem of manufacturers, engineers, and technologists, the defense industry isn’t just part of Northeast Indiana, it’s woven into the fabric of who we are.
The Defense Summit is a symbol of the growing national recognition that Northeast Indiana can be a hub for the defense industry. Hosting this event highlights the deep partnerships between local, state, and federal leaders, our defense contractors, and our research institutions. Together, we’ve built a region where collaboration drives innovation, and where the mission to protect America begins with the people and companies right here at home.
As our nation faces new challenges, from cyber threats to space competition, Northeast Indiana stands ready. We’re not just proud to host the Defense Summit, we’re proud to power the future of America’s defense.
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