Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth on Wednesday announced the creation of the Alabama Aerospace and Defense Council (AADC), a new coalition that will advocate for policies to grow Alabama’s aerospace and defense industries. Ainsworth, former national president of the Aerospace States Association, stressed the importance of a statewide approach to ensure all 67 counties benefit from the jobs and economic impact generated by these industries.

“Alabama is the aerospace and defense capital of the world,” Ainsworth said. “More than 103 Alabama companies are participating in the Artemis program that will soon take us back to the Moon, and Mobile is poised to become one of the largest commercial aerospace manufacturing cities on the planet. But even with these impressive credentials, we can do more.

Ainsworth told reporters Wednesday that he hoped the coalition could help bring Space Command’s headquarters to Huntsville with the help of President-elect Donald Trump. The headquarters was originally intended for Huntsville under the previous Trump administration, but the Biden administration changed course and planned to locate the headquarters in Colorado.

“This is one of the worst policies I’ve seen,” Ainsworth said.

Headquartered in the offices of Manufacture Alabama, a business-friendly defense and trade group active in Montgomery for nearly three decades, AADC aims to expand Alabama’s role in national defense, aerospace manufacturing and space exploration. The council’s goal is to strengthen Alabama’s industrial footprint by fostering connections between industry leaders and policymakers.

The economic impact of Alabama’s aerospace industry is substantial, totaling $17.4 billion, representing 7.5 percent of the state’s GDP, and providing 63,258 jobs with an annual impact on payroll of $4.3 billion. Additionally, military personnel and defense contracts in Alabama contribute to an economic impact of $50.3 billion, supporting nearly 265,000 jobs and accounting for more than $19.3 billion in payroll.

With five major military installations and NASA suppliers in all seven congressional districts, Alabama has established itself as a key player in aerospace and defense. The AADC brings together influential businesses and organizations in these sectors to solidify Alabama’s position as a hub for innovation and economic growth. The council is committed to advocating for policies that will further grow these industries, ensuring the benefits are felt across the state.