U.S. Senator Katie Britt attended the 2026 Farnborough International Air Show in Farnborough, England, last week as part of a congressional delegation to highlight Alabama’s growing aerospace and defense capabilities on the global stage. Joining Britt were Senator Tommy Tuberville and Representative Dale Strong, representing Alabama’s federal delegation at the world’s premier aviation industry event.
The Farnborough International Air Show, themed “Pioneers of Tomorrow,” brought together more than 1,500 exhibitors from 60 countries. Britt emphasized the momentum Alabama’s aerospace sector has gained, noting that 2025 was “record-breaking on many levels” for the state’s aviation, aerospace, and defense industries.
Alabama’s aerospace and defense industry has emerged as a significant economic driver. The sector supports more than 72,000 jobs and generates $35.5 billion in economic activity annually, according to Britt’s office. In 2025 alone, exports of aerospace products and parts grew 12 percent from the previous year, reaching $11.4 billion and extending to 99 countries worldwide.
The state’s presence at Farnborough yielded immediate results. Two major aerospace companies announced significant Alabama investments during the show’s opening days. Redwire, an aerospace and defense manufacturer, announced a 164,000-square-foot expansion of its Huntsville operations, creating approximately 150 new jobs. Doncasters, a U.K.-based superalloy and high-precision casting manufacturer, revealed plans for a new facility in Auburn, representing a $50 million capital investment and about 70 jobs within three years. Combined, these announcements totaled roughly $68 million in capital investment and 220 new jobs.
The growth reflects a decade-long trajectory. Since 2015, aerospace, aviation, and defense companies have announced $4.3 billion in new investments in Alabama, resulting in more than 15,000 jobs. Under Governor Kay Ivey’s tenure since 2017, the state has added 40 to 45 percent more jobs in these sectors.
Alabama’s prominence at the airshow was amplified by a strategic expansion of the state’s footprint. For the first time, Alabama secured a chalet along the flight line—the premier location at Farnborough—positioning the “Made in Alabama” brand directly in front of thousands of aviation and defense industry leaders as they observed aircraft demonstrations. The state also maintained its traditional large pavilion with meeting rooms.
Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair, who co-led the state delegation with Governor Ivey’s Chief of Staff Liz Filmore, said the delegation conducted more than 50 meetings with aviation, aerospace, and defense companies. These conversations included both companies already operating in Alabama and potential new investors exploring the state for expansion opportunities. Britt emphasized Alabama’s strategic advantages, including workforce quality, business climate, and the state’s established role in aerospace and defense through facilities like Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.
Britt noted the significance of recent achievements, including Space Command Headquarters relocating to Huntsville and a successful Artemis II launch powered by Marshall Space Flight Center. “As we look to a new era of American excellence in our aerospace, defense, and intelligence capabilities, one thing is clear: Alabama will continue to lead the way,” she said in a statement released July 27.
Sources
- Senator Katie Britt’s Office — press release on Britt’s attendance at Farnborough 2026, aerospace industry statistics, and Alabama’s economic impact figures
- Office of the Governor of Alabama — announcement of Redwire and Doncasters investments, delegation details, and aerospace sector growth metrics
- Made in Alabama — aerospace industry growth data and investment announcements from 2015 onward
