Defense
KC is built for missions that matter.
The Kansas City region is home to a concentration of national security, defense, aerospace, advanced manufacturing and technology assets that support some of the nation’s most critical missions.
From the Kansas City National Security Campus to nearby military installations and a strong network of engineering, manufacturing and technology firms, KC has the people, infrastructure and industry expertise to help defense companies meet complex challenges and get critical work done.
By the Numbers
A Workforce Delivering Defense Solutions
The defense industry spans a wide range of critical missions, each requiring specialized skills. In Kansas City, companies can find the talent to meet their needs.
Skilled Manufacturing
Nearly 43,000 workers in aerospace and advanced manufacturing contribute the hands-on experience needed to build complex, high-performance products.
Engineers + Technologists
23,000 engineers, drafters and technologists across the KC region bring expertise in design, systems engineering and technical problem-solving.
Cybersecurity
KC supplies security-cleared and technically skilled workers supporting increasingly digital defense systems, including 10,000+ credentialed cybersecurity professionals.
Military + Veteran Talent
A significant military-connected population provides experience across technical, operational and leadership roles.
Public & Defense Sector Strength
Kansas City’s public and defense institutions anchor a robust mission-ready ecosystem.
Thousands of Department of Defense and Homeland Security personnel in KC that brings both talent with clearances and contracts.
25 military and government facilities
with a cybersecurity presence
within 200 miles of Kansas City
Fort Leavenworth: Trains Army leaders in advanced cybersecurity strategies.
MCITC: 700 personnel manage Marine Corps global IT operations.
Kansas Intelligence Fusion Center: Gold-standard public-private partnership analyzing cyber and biothreats.
FBI-Kansas City Division: Hosts RCFL and InfraGard protecting critical infrastructure.
USDA: Cloud-based hosting with KC data centers supporting federal agencies.
National Bio and Agro-defense Facility (NBAF): Protects food supply, counters bioterrorism threats.
- Whiteman AFB: Sole operational base for B-2 stealth bomber fleet.
Top 15 Aerospace & Defense Metro
The region’s leadership in defense systems and electronics helped secure its place among the nation’s top industry hubs from Global Location Strategies.
The Kansas City Advantage
Central by Design
Kansas City’s central location and extensive transportation network connect defense operations to suppliers, partners and markets across the country.
Talent Beyond Defense
A strong base of technology, telecommunications and engineering employers—including Garmin and T-Mobile — helps grow a talent pipeline with skills that translate across defense and adjacent industries.
Broad Federal Presence
More than 28,000 federal workers across the region reflect an established public-sector presence and a workforce connected to a wide range of federal missions.
Next-Generation Capabilities
Regional expertise in autonomous systems, machine learning, advanced electronics and critical materials supports the technologies shaping the future of defense.
Private Sector Presence
A National Security Anchor
Kansas City National Security Campus gives the region a central role in the nation’s nuclear security mission — producing 80% of the non-nuclear components for the nation’s nuclear deterrent.
Its advanced manufacturing and engineering operations, 7,000 employees and extensive supplier network strengthen the region’s defense capabilities and create opportunities for businesses supporting critical national security work.
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Make the Right Connection
To learn more about Kansas City’s cybersecurity industry, connect with our team.
Jason Robertson
Senior Vice President
Business Development
robertson@OneKC.org
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