What Happened
Commonwealth's Proximity to Pentagon and Talent Pool Drive Industry Growth
The Commonwealth of Virginia has become a thriving hub for aerospace and defense companies, driven by its proximity to the Pentagon and a deep talent pool of skilled workers. Four of the five biggest defense primes, including The Boeing Company, General Dynamics Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, and RTX Corporation, are headquartered in Northern Virginia. The state has ranked No. 1 in federal defense spending since 2021, with recent contracts including a $76.6 billion award to Newport News Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat for submarine construction. This growth is also driven by innovative companies like Forterra, which expanded into Arlington County to be closer to the Department of War. According to the Virginia Economic Review, published by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.