Defense in Georgia
Combine a tradition of hunting with a skilled workforce, business-friendly climate, and firearms-friendly legislation, and it is easy to see why many leading defense and firearms manufacturers are choosing Georgia.
Defense contractors continue to choose and locate in Georgia based on Defense News, 2025.
Four of 6 branches of the U.S. Armed Forces span the state.
The U.S. Department of Defense ranks Georgia in the top 10 for active military and veteran populations, providing companies a ready, trained workforce.
Strategic Military Presence & Workforce
Nine military bases in Georgia support critical national defense missions in aviation, cyber, intelligence, logistics, and naval operations, attracting and producing suppliers and complementary industries throughout the state.
An estimated 5,000 service members exit Georgia’s bases each year, creating a steady pipeline of technically trained workers for defense, aerospace, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing roles (JobsEQ, 2023).
Accessing job-ready, highly skilled talent is made easier through initiatives such as the Veterans Education Career Transition Resource (VECTR) Center and the Veterans Education Training and Transition (VET2), both partners to the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
Recreation and Responsibility
Firearms manufacturers and suppliers find a welcoming home to grow their business in Georgia.
More than 640,000 hunters are welcomed across the state each year. From the mountains and foothills to the marshes and coast, Georgia’s spacious fields and woods offer abundant opportunities for hunting enthusiasts. Whether the target is large or small game, 125 wildlife areas and more than 13 million acres of land are available for hunting.
Proud to Call Georgia Home
Meet defense companies already operating in Georgia.
Check-Mate Industries, Inc.
Heckler & Koch GmbH
GLOCK, Inc.
Taurus International Manufacturing, Inc.
Statewide Support for Defense Growth
Leadership from both the Georgia Joint Defense Commission and the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance offers a powerful environment for mission-critical operations and defense industry growth.
The Georgia Joint Defense Commission is tasked with advising the Governor and members of the General Assembly on state and federal defense and military issues, and with crafting recommendations that promote the “long-term viability and development” of both active and civilian military infrastructure.
The Georgia Joint Defense Commission works closely with military, industry, and state partners to protect missions, strengthen defense communities, and position Georgia for future opportunities in aerospace, cyber, and next-generation technologies. It was first created in 2018 pursuant to Senate Bill 395 and reformed in 2024 under Senate Bill 398.
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Contact us to learn more about Georgia’s defense industry.