Defense Manufacturing Companies in Kansas

Kansas has approximately 2,800 manufacturing establishments and 170,000 manufacturing employees. Kansas is the air capital of the world, with Wichita home to Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, and Bombardier Learjet, plus significant food processing operations.

Kansas contributes to the national defense manufacturing landscape. Defense manufacturing encompasses companies that produce military vehicles, weapons systems, ammunition, body armor, communications equipment, and other materiel for the US Department of Defense and allied nations. This sector includes prime contractors like Raytheon and General Dynamics as well as thousands of specialized small and mid-size suppliers.

Prime Contractors: Large defense companies like Raytheon, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman that lead major weapons programs.

Armored Vehicle Manufacturers: Companies producing tanks, armored personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles, and military trucks.

Munitions & Ordnance Producers: Manufacturers of ammunition, missiles, bombs, and explosive ordnance components.

Communications & Electronics: Companies building ruggedized radios, radar systems, electronic warfare equipment, and C4ISR systems.

Small Arms & Weapons Systems: Manufacturers of firearms, crew-served weapons, and weapon system components for military use.

Major industrial centers in Kansas include Wichita, Kansas City, Topeka, and Overland Park. These cities have concentrations of manufacturers across sectors including aerospace manufacturing, food processing manufacturing, and agricultural equipment manufacturing.