Michigan Unveils Strategic Defense and Aerospace Plan at Munich Conference
Governor Gretchen Whitmer, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, has announced a significant development for Michigan’s defense and aerospace sectors. The state has introduced a comprehensive five-year roadmap aimed at boosting national security and generating well-paying jobs, thereby bolstering Michigan’s economy.
As global strategic challenges continue to rise, Michigan’s new plan intends to establish the state as a leader in defense, aerospace, maritime, and space innovation. This initiative is a nod to Michigan’s historical role as the Arsenal of Democracy and is designed to address future challenges effectively.
Governor Whitmer emphasized Michigan’s historical contributions, stating, “Michigan has always stepped up when our nation needed us most. We built the machines that helped win wars, powered global industry, and created generations of middle-class jobs. Our Defense and Aerospace Strategic Plan ensures Michigan is ready to lead again, by growing our economy, strengthening our supply chains, and supporting the men and women in uniform who defend our country. Let’s continue to deliver good-paying jobs, innovation, and ensure Michigan remains a cornerstone of America’s security and prosperity.”
The strategic plan was crafted by the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI) under the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Established in April 2024, ODAI succeeded the Michigan Defense Center, which was formed in 2006 to bolster the state’s defense and homeland security sectors.
Functioning as a dynamic document, the plan outlines a mission and vision with flexible components to adapt to evolving technology, national priorities, and global conditions over the next half-decade.
Col. John T. Gutierrez, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), executive director of ODAI at MEDC, remarked, “Our mission is clear: to catalyze growth in Michigan’s defense and aerospace sectors by advancing industrial capacity, innovation, and research. This strategic plan gives Michigan a focused, coordinated roadmap to compete —and lead—nationally and globally. It aligns our industry, universities, workforce, and defense assets so companies can innovate here, build here, and win here, creating lasting economic growth across the state.”
Strategic Focus Areas
- Fostering Business Growth within Defense and Aerospace – Enhancing Michigan’s project pipeline, supporting dual-use technologies, and promoting the state through the national “Reimagine the Arsenal of Democracy” campaign.
- Amplifying Michigan’s Unique Advantages – Utilizing the state’s skilled workforce, top-tier universities, robust manufacturing, and defense assets to capitalize on opportunities and prepare for national defense requirements.
- Setting Conditions to Advance Innovation – Boosting applied research, developing testing capabilities, and attracting innovation-driven enterprises to maintain Michigan’s leadership in defense and aerospace technologies.
The plan also emphasizes collaboration with the Michigan National Guard and the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, integrating defense assets and service members into the state’s innovation and readiness framework.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, stated, “Reimagining the Arsenal of Democracy for the 21st century means ensuring Michigan’s defense assets, service members and industry remain central to innovation and operational readiness. Michigan has a proven history of delivering decisive capability to the nation and that mission continues today through advanced manufacturing, emerging technologies and a growing defense and aerospace industrial base. By supporting, protecting, and growing this ecosystem, we strengthen the Joint Force, accelerate innovation at speed and scale and ensure Michigan remains a strategic contributor to national defense and allied security well into the future.”
This strategic initiative builds on Michigan’s existing momentum in the defense and aerospace industry. Recently, the Department of Defense designated Michigan’s National All-Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC) as a national range for advanced uncrewed aerial systems testing. Additionally, in April 2025, Governor Whitmer secured a new F-15EX fighter mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County, aimed at economic growth and job support within the state.
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