Michigan has played an important role in defense and homeland security since World War II, when its engineering and manufacturing prowess helped equip and protect our nation’s soldiers and defenders.
Today, the sector is as important to our state and nation as ever. Michigan is home to an impressive number of military and defense-related facilities, including advanced research labs, testing grounds, and bases.
Michigan has placed special emphasis on the sector, helping both entrepreneurs and established firms within the state to diversify into the industry and land contracts with the Department of Defense and its prime contractors. Companies outside of Michigan are also choosing to locate in Michigan because of the Michigan Advantage – our talented and skilled workforce, technology infrastructure, and history of innovation.
To assist this growing sector, the Michigan Defense Center (formerly known as the Defense Contract Coordination Center or DC3) and Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) are important resources.
The Michigan Defense Center is leveraging Michigan’s manufacturing and engineering expertise in high-tech sectors, such as robotics and homeland security, where the state may have a competitive advantage.
You can also explore the Michigan Defense Center’s Defense Capabilities Directory and learn more about our defense and homeland security industry infrastructure and resources.
“I have personally had the pleasure of working with the PTAC group and find their assistance invaluable.”
- Rhonda Broussard
Genesee Packaging, Inc.
Next Generation Technologies are Growing Here
With Michigan’s strength in technology and engineering, we are also home to several important industry clusters that are playing an increasingly important role in defense and homeland security. These include:
- Robotics - Partners in industry, academia and government are growing Michigan’s commercial robotics cluster.
- Advanced Energy Storage - As home to TARDEC (U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center), Michigan is uniquely positioned to develop domestic batteries to military markets. Through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's (MEDC) working agreement with TARDEC, the Department of Energy (DOE) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Michigan battery companies have a conduit for collaboration throughout the entire federal lab system.
- Lightweight Materials - Next generation vehicles will need to provide the same protection level as steel armor, but with material as light as aluminum. Michigan is using its expertise and supply chains from other industries to rapidly adapt them to new challenges in defense and homeland security.
