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Why Defense Companies Should Have Ohio on Their Radar: Insights from the AFA Warfare Symposium
The AFA Warfare Symposium in Aurora, Colorado, is always a barometer of where the defense industry is headed. This year, even with the expected dip in attendance due to the federal travel ban, it was clear that momentum is building, priorities are shifting, and opportunity is everywhere for forward-looking defense companies.
At JobsOhio, we came to Aurora ready to engage—and we left energized by the meaningful conversations we had across all three of our key audiences: military leadership, transitioning service members, and especially industry partners.
Ohio’s Value Proposition Was Front and Center
Our Find Your Ohio booth stood out as a major highlight of our sponsorship. It was a hub for dialogue—not just with military personnel considering a post-service move to Ohio, but with companies interested in how the state can support their next phase of growth.
The new Dayton region relocation guide was a game-changer for those eyeing proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, one of the most critical installations in the country and a magnet for research, development, and high-tech collaboration. But Dayton is just one piece of the puzzle—Ohio’s robust infrastructure, skilled talent pipeline, and cost advantages make it a smart choice for any defense-focused business.
The Signals Are Clear: It’s Time to Modernize—and Ohio Can Help
From the presentations and panels, it’s obvious that both the Air Force and Space Force are entering a new era. The Air Force is rapidly modernizing, and the Space Force is beginning to truly define its mission and capability needs. That means increased demand for agile, innovative industry partners—especially those who can operate near key defense hubs with access to engineering talent, advanced manufacturing, and public-private collaboration.
Ohio checks every box.
Our state is home to a dynamic defense and aerospace ecosystem, with existing partnerships across Air Force Research Laboratory, National Air & Space Intelligence Center, and the broader Department of Defense community. And with growing investments in autonomy, AI, propulsion, sensors, and space systems, Ohio is well-positioned to support the future of national defense.
Ohio’s Story Resonated—And So Did Our Team
One of the symposium's high points was a compelling presentation by Terry Slaybaugh, JobsOhio’s Vice President of Infrastructure & Sites, showcasing why so many defense and aerospace companies are already calling Ohio home. The accompanying video brought that story to life in a powerful way, and it resonated with companies hungry for a location that balances innovation, affordability, and mission alignment.
Of course, no AFA event is complete without a reminder of how respected our military and federal advisor, Gen. J.T. Thompson, is within this community. These are his people—and his relationships continue to give Ohio a seat at the table in the conversations that matter most.
If your company is exploring new locations for growth, R&D, or production, Ohio should be on your shortlist. We’re ready to help defense-focused businesses connect with the talent, resources, and partners they need to succeed.
Contact JobsOhio today to start the conversation.