Redstone Arsenal already hosts key military and aerospace institutions, including the Army Materiel Command, Missile Defense Agency, the Army Space and Missile Defense Command and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Major defence companies such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman also have a significant presence in Huntsville.
“Huntsville is the perfect choice for U.S. Space Command headquarters,” said Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “The region offers a rare combination of mission-critical infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce and a deep legacy of innovation in aerospace and defense. There’s no community in the nation better positioned to support the long-term success of Space Command and its strategic objectives.”
Beyond Huntsville, Montgomery has emerged as a hub of innovation through the MTL Defense Accelerator. Its first programme concluded on 26 August with five Alabama startups demonstrating dual-use technologies, including AI-driven threat detection, tactical navigation and advanced protective equipment.
“Montgomery is building a future rooted in defense innovation and economic resilience,” said Anna Buckalew, President of the Montgomery Chamber. “These startups represent the kind of bold thinking that will shape the next generation of national security technologies.”
The state is also extending its global defence presence at DSEI 2025 in London, one of the world’s largest defence exhibitions. Alabama’s delegation includes six companies and representatives from the Department of Commerce, led by aerospace and defence specialist Bob Smith.
“We’re heading to DSEI London to highlight Alabama’s high-powered defense ecosystem — including our strategic base infrastructure, thriving tech innovators, and mission-ready workforce — and to build international partnerships that will expand our impact globally,” Smith said.
This activity forms part of Alabama’s Catalyst economic development plan, which identifies defence as one of eight priority sectors. By integrating defence into its broader strategy, the state aims to secure long-term growth while supporting national security.
“Alabama’s defense sector is more than simply robust — it’s purpose-built for the future,” said Commerce Secretary McNair. “By centering infrastructure investments like Space Command’s HQ move in Huntsville, nurturing homegrown innovation through initiatives like the Montgomery accelerator, laying strategic groundwork through Catalyst and expanding its global footprint at premier events like DSEI, Alabama is blazing a new path of defense-driven economic growth.”
