• Global military spending rose to $2.9 trillion in 2025.
• Defense tech is driving economic development in various regions.
• Entrepreneurial ecosystems are grappling with the ethics of engaging with military technology.
• The US government spends significantly on defense, with a large budget for science and tech-led regional development.

The growth of defense tech may indicate a shift in economic development priorities, which could have significant implications for the aerospace industry. This trend suggests that state and local leaders are increasingly courting military contracts, which may lead to a surge in defense-related innovation and investment. However, it also raises questions about the ethics of supporting technologies with military applications, which could have far-reaching consequences for the industry and society as a whole.