Aerospace and Defense Industries in Connecticut

From Colt’s invention of the revolver to Sikorsky’s creation of the world’s first commercial helicopter to the christening of the world’s first nuclear submarine at Electric Boat's shipyards, Connecticut has long been a focal point for defense industry leadership and innovation. Once nicknamed the Arsenal of Democracy, Connecticut manufacturers bring in more than $25.1 billion in defense contracts annually, 4th most in the nation¹. The draw of defense industry advanced manufacturing, and the world-leading supply chain that enables it, is one of the reasons why Connecticut is home to the 5^th highest concentration of engineers in the nation².

Based on the strength of our aerospace and shipbuilding industries, Connecticut is one of only a few states in the country to earn the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership (IMCP) designation. With this prestigious designation comes access to more than $1 billion in federal funds for manufacturing economic development.

“A small state with a massive presence in the aviation industry... Every Airbus aircraft has significant U.S.-made content, and Connecticut is THE number one supplier state to Airbus. Just last year, one-third of our $15 billion spend in the U.S. was spent in Connecticut."

— Robin Hayes, Chairman and CEO of Airbus North America

Connecticut is home to “Aerospace Alley,” an industrial ecosystem of advanced manufacturing companies drawing from the 5^th most productive workforce³ in America. Anchored by internationally renowned companies like jet engine-maker Pratt & Whitney, Connecticut is the #1 location in the U.S. for aircraft engine and engine parts manufacturing⁴ in terms of both jobs and GDP, with more than 25% of all aircraft engine and parts manufacturing⁵ located here. The state is home to over 29,800 aerospace employees⁶ at 259 aerospace manufacturing establishments⁷ in every corner of the state, with Connecticut also boasting the 7^th highest concentration of aerospace engineers in the country⁸.

The state is also one of the major shipbuilding centers of the United States, with more than 16% of all U.S. shipbuilding and repairing located in Connecticut⁹. General Dynamics Electric Boat's nuclear submarine shipyards in Groton churn out some of the most complex and advanced pieces of machinery in existence and has resulted in a vast network of supply chain and bluetech manufacturers located in the region. Cutting-edge companies like ThayerMahan are creating the next generation of unmanned underwater vehicles alongside critical technologies such as seafloor mapping and undersea surveillance.

Notable Aerospace & Defense Employers in Connecticut

Business Formation Verification

Sole proprietorships and general partnerships require a tradename certificate with the Town Clerk in the town in which the business is based. Currently there is no centralized look-up and requires you to contact the town directly.

Corporations, LLCs, LLPs and LPs file with the Connecticut Secretary of the State. Search Connecticut Business Registration Data.

Professional or Trade License Verification

The Connecticut eLicense web portal provides real-time access to over 600 credential types issued and regulated by the following State agencies. These credential types include licenses, registrations, permits, or certifications for individuals, organizations and facilities.

To view a list of the licenses administered by the agencies click on the agency link provided below.
* Consumer Protection
* Public Health
* Agriculture
* Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
* Office of Early Childhood & Youth Camp
* Developmental Services
* State Fire Marshal
* Revenue Services

Additional agencies offer their own verification systems. Use the links below:
* Insurance
* Banking

The following details provide guidance for an existing business wishing to make changes to their existing business filings. If changing the business structure, it is recommended that legal counsel be sought.

If you are forming a subsidiary, please review the separate item addressing that topic.

Secretary of the State
(860) 509-6002 or crd@ct.gov
Agency website: https://portal.ct.gov/sots
- Forms to complete the following tasks are available on the agency website at the following link: form or online
  - Change of business address
  - Change of agent and agent address
  - Add or remove manager, member, partner, officer - Interim Notice of Change
  - Change of name or any other particular of your filings - Amendments (this can not be filed online)
    - LLC - domestic (formed in CT) or foreign (formed outside of Connecticut)
    - Corporation- domestic or foreign stock or nonstock
    - LLP - domestic or foreign
  - Changing the structure requires the business to dissolve the existing business and then create a new structure.
Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
800-382-9463(instate only), (860) 297-5962 or drs@po.state.ct.us
Agency website: https://portal.ct.gov/drs
- Change of address
- Change of business name or DBA
- Change business structure
- Updating members, officers, partners
- Add new business location
- Add new tax type to existing registration - refile form REG-1 or complete online application
Connecticut Department of Labor
860-263-6550
Agency website: www.ctdol.state.ct.us
- Compose a letter stating the reason for the change and include previous registration information. Fax to 860-263-6567 or mail to Attention: Employer Status, Connecticut Department of Labor, 200 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield, CT 06109.
  
  If changing business structure and/or Federal Employer Identification Number with the IRS, re-file form UC-1A. Compose a letter stating the change and reason.
Internal Revenue Services (IRS)800-829-4933
Agency website: www.irs.gov
- Change business name
- Change business address (see below)
- Change business structure
  
  Compose a letter stating the change including the current Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) and apply for a new EIN. If changing the business structure, the business must dissolve. Mail the letter to Internal Revenue Service, EIN Operation, Holtsville NY 00501 or fax to 631-447-8960.
Additional Agencies
Each agency handles changes differently. For more information contact the individual agencies directly.

Aerospace & Defense Employers

Hanwha Aerospace USA

Hanwha Aerospace USA is headquartered in Cheshire, CT with 3 other manufacturing facilities throughout Connecticut. The subsidiary of Korean conglomerate Hanwha Group focuses on a broad range of parts and equipment for aerospace and defense manufacturers, establishing themselves as one of the most vital pieces of Connecticut’s aerospace industry supply chain ecosystem. In 2023, Hanwha doubled down on its commitment to Connecticut by moving its International Engines Business to the state under the Hanwha Aerospace USA umbrella and continues to invest heavily in its facilities here.

Sikorsky

The world’s most famous helicopter company, with globally recognized products like the Black Hawk, Sikorsky has called Connecticut home for nearly 100 years. Headquartered in Stratford, CT, which also serves as its chief manufacturing facility, Sikorsky employs thousands in the state of Connecticut as one of the state’s top 5 largest employers and supports tens of thousands of supply chain jobs. From Coast Guard rescues and wildfire containment to military aircraft and autonomous flight, Sikorsky continues to revolutionize and perfect the helicopter and bring even greater prestige to Connecticut’s Aerospace Alley.

General Dynamics Electric Boat

Electric Boat, a subsidiary of General Dynamics, has been headquartered in Groton, CT for nearly 100 years, with their design and engineering facility located across the Thames River in New London. Since launching the world’s first nuclear submarine in 1954, Electric Boat’s shipyards have made southeastern Connecticut the nation’s premier shipbuilding and maritime center. Over the last 4 years, the company has committed more than $1 billion in upgrades to their facilities and added nearly 8,000 jobs in Connecticut, making them one of the largest employers in the state.

Pratt & Whitney

The second largest aircraft engine manufacturer in the world, and one of the top 5 largest employers in Connecticut. Pratt & Whitney has been revolutionizing the aerospace industry for 100 years. Headquartered in East Hartford, CT, Pratt & Whitney’s facilities can arguably be called the anchor of Connecticut’s famed aerospace ecosystem. Pratt & Whitney engines power everything from commercial aircraft to helicopters to next-gen fighter jets and rely on a large portion of the state’s advanced manufacturing supply chain, with many companies choosing to relocate operations to Connecticut in order to gain greater access to this industry stalwart.

Key Facts

state for per capita federal defense contract dollars per capita¹⁰

for aerospace worker productivity¹²

most per capita aerospace employment in the U.S.¹¹

in the nation for Aerospace & Defense Leadership¹³

Aerospace and Defense Support in Connecticut

Aerospace & Defense

Industry Resources

Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Fund Voucher Program — a State fund to support the growth, innovation, and progress of the advanced manufacturing sector administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to provide grants and support an array of initiatives
Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology — an applied technology demonstration and training center that validates, demonstrates, and assists with the adoption of leading-edge technologies into global industrial companies and the advanced manufacturing supply chain, while providing the training and education necessary to utilize the capability of these advancements and drive efficiency
CONNSTEP — a business consulting firm focused on identifying opportunities for growth, improving productivity, and ensuring competitiveness
CT APEX Accelerator — supports national security by ensuring a broad base of capable, Connecticut suppliers for the defense industry and other government agencies while increasing the state's business economic base

Accelerate Growth & Innovation

STEP grants to help increase your exports
Participate in the annual World's Aerospace Alley Tradeshow
Exhibit space in the State's booth at International Air Shows
Energy upgrade financing solutions through the Connecticut Green Bank

Optimize Site & Operations

Reduce Taxes

Manufacturing and Biotechnology Sales and Use Tax Exemption
Manufacturing Machinery and Equipment Tax Exemption
Learn about more State incentives and programs

Aerospace & Defense/Advanced Manufacturing Sector Snapshot

◄ Get an in-depth look at Connecticut’s aerospace and defense industry cluster.

industry trends and dynamics
concentrations of talent and workforce pipelines in Connecticut
Connecticut's regulatory environment
logistical and infrastructure considerations
the state’s strengths for companies in the state
data and resources for companies seeking market entry into Connecticut

Learn more about Connecticut's key industries in our detailed snapshots.