Aerospace & Defense
Premier Testing Environment
Expansive airspace, land and range capabilities support aerospace, defense and advanced technology testing.
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Aviation & Defense Infrastructure
Long runways, direct airfield access and specialized aviation facilities support aerospace and defense operations.
Skilled Military Talent
Access to an experienced military and veteran talent pipeline with aviation, mechanical and technical skills.
Strategic Aerospace Ecosystem
Connected to Arizona's aerospace and defense supply chain, military assets and industry partners.
Sites Ready for Growth
Available industrial land and aviation-focused space provide room for new facilities and future expansion.
A Strategic Advantage for Aerospace & Defense
Greater Yuma combines open airspace, vast land, and more than 350 days of uninterrupted testing weather, creating an ideal environment for aerospace and defense testing, training, and advanced technologies.
The region offers strong aviation infrastructure, including a 13,300-foot runway capable of supporting large aircraft, along with strategic access to California, the U.S. Southwest, and Mexico—supporting R&D, manufacturing, testing, and mission-critical operations.
With available land, skilled talent, and supportive local partners, Greater Yuma gives companies the resources and flexibility to test, innovate, manufacture, and grow—from early-stage development through full-scale production and expansion.
━━ TALENT & WORKFORCE
A Workforce Built for Aerospace
Greater Yuma provides aerospace and defense employers access to transitioning military talent, skilled technical workers, and training programs that can be tailored to industry needs.
OneMARINES EXITING ANNUALLY
LOCAL VETERANS
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE JOBS
TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE
Aviation, aircraft maintenance, mechanical, avionics, and logistics.
INDUSTRY-ALIGNED TRAINING
Arizona Western College and regional partners can develop customized programs for employer needs.
SKILLED WORKFORCE
Access to an experienced and reliable workforce in the region.
BINATIONAL ADVANTAGE
A larger talent pool across the Yuma–San Luis–Mexicali corridor.
CONNECTED TO A WORLD-CLASS AEROSPACE & DEFENSE ECOSYSTEM
Greater Yuma’s strategic location connects companies to a powerful binational aerospace and defense corridor, approximately 3 hours from Phoenix and about 1 hour from Mexicali, Baja California. Leading aerospace and defense companies already operate throughout this regional ecosystem, creating a strong network of industry expertise, suppliers, talent, and innovation. Greater Yuma offers companies a strategic location to establish, expand, test, and manufacture while staying connected to these major industry hubs.
POWER & INFRASTRUCTURE BUILT FOR INDUSTRY
Greater Yuma is equipped to support large-scale industrial operations with established infrastructure, strong utility capacity, and direct transportation connections. The region provides businesses with the foundation needed to operate efficiently, accommodate high-demand projects, and scale for future growth.
Power
Robust electrical infrastructure with capacity for large users.
Natural Gas
High-capacity natural gas system with planned 40-inch and 30-inch pipeline expansions by 2030
Water
Senior surface and reclaimed Colorado River water rights
Fiber
Up to 10 GIG
High-speed fiber available for business and industrial operations.
Rail
Union Pacific rail service and transload capabilities
Air
Daily flights to Phoenix, Dallas, Los Angeles, Mexico City and Guadalajara
Yuma Defense Contractor Complex
Located at Yuma International Airport, the Yuma Defense Contractor Complex offers 120 acres of aviation-focused industrial space for aerospace and defense companies seeking a strategic location for operations, manufacturing, and expansion.
The complex provides direct taxiway access to multiple runways, including a 13,300-foot runway, along with aviation infrastructure designed to accommodate aircraft and aerial systems of varying sizes. Development opportunities include aviation-compatible sites and build-to-suit options for companies requiring specialized facilities.
Designed to support R&D, MRO, avionics, manufacturing, testing support, and related aerospace operations, the complex gives companies the ability to locate key activities together within an airport environment. Its location at Yuma International Airport also places companies near Greater Yuma’s broader aerospace and defense ecosystem.
Yuma Defense Contractor Complex
Discover aviation infrastructure, facilities and opportunities available for aerospace and defense operations in Greater Yuma.
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Test Your Technology in Yuma
Interested in testing at Yuma Proving Ground? Explore testing opportunities and learn how to get started.
Explore Testing Opportunities →For more information on the Aerospace and Defense industry, check out our Industry Guide here!
Test Your Technology at Yuma Proving Ground
Private Industry Testing Opportunities
U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground provides private industry access to specialized testing ranges, restricted airspace, and advanced testing infrastructure for aerospace, defense, UAS, autonomous systems, and emerging technologies.
With more than 1,300 square miles of test terrain, nearly 2,000 square miles of restricted airspace, and year-round testing conditions, YPG provides a unique environment to develop, test, and validate advanced technologies.
Private companies can explore available testing opportunities through the U.S. Army Test Range Reservation Portal.
Explore our property listings and see how Greater Yuma can be the perfect fit for your business