Inside a Western New York factory, precision actuators are tested before they control the movement of an aircraft wing. In Owego, engineers install mission and communication systems into military helicopters. On Long Island, structural assemblies are prepared for aircraft used by the US Air Force, Navy and commercial operators.
New York does not have one giant aircraft assembly centre. Instead, its aerospace strength comes from advanced engineering, avionics, flight controls, communications, electrical systems and specialised aerostructures. From international defence contractors to companies headquartered within the state, let us examine New York’s leading aerospace companies in 2026.
1. Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is one of the world’s largest aerospace and defence companies. Its major New York operation is located in Owego, where the company has a long history of helicopter mission-system integration, electronics engineering and aircraft modification.
The Owego team has worked on mission systems for US Navy MH-60R and MH-60S Seahawk helicopters, Air Force combat-rescue helicopters and presidential transport programmes. The facility also installs radar, communications and other mission equipment on selected Black Hawk variants after initial aircraft assembly.
Lockheed Martin also maintains operations in Syracuse connected with radar, sensors and defence electronics. Its New York workforce includes systems engineers, software developers, electrical engineers, technicians, programme managers and manufacturing specialists.
Why Lockheed Martin is included: Its global scale and Owego’s specialised role in military helicopter integration make it one of New York’s most important aerospace employers.
- Owego facility: 1801 State Route 17C, Owego, NY 13827
- Official website: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/
2. L3Harris Technologies
L3Harris Technologies has one of the largest aerospace and defence workforces in the Rochester region. The company develops technologies used in tactical communications, avionics, electronic warfare, surveillance, space missions, missile defence and secure military networks.
Rochester is particularly important to the company’s communications business. Its operations support secure radios and networked communication systems used by military forces, government agencies and aircraft crews. L3Harris was listed as the Rochester area’s sixth-largest private employer, with 3,724 workers in 2024.
The company reported annual revenue exceeding $21.9 billion and operations in more than 100 countries. In 2026, it continued receiving orders for military communication equipment while expanding its work in missile tracking, satellite systems and airborne sensors.
Why L3Harris Technologies is included: Its large Rochester workforce and leadership in airborne communications, sensors and defence electronics give it a major position in New York’s aerospace sector.
- Major Rochester operation: 1680 University Avenue, Rochester, NY 14610
- Official website: https://www.l3harris.com/
3. Moog Inc.
Moog is a New York-headquartered engineering company specialising in precision motion-control systems. Founded in 1951, it grew from a small East Aurora airplane hangar into an international aerospace, defence and industrial technology company. Moog marked its 75th anniversary in 2026.
Its aerospace products include flight-control actuators, servo valves, motors, propulsion equipment, satellite buses and systems used to control aircraft surfaces. Moog technologies are found in commercial aircraft, military aircraft, spacecraft, missiles and launch vehicles.
The company’s New York operations include separate Aircraft Group and Space and Defense Group facilities in Elma and East Aurora. This strong engineering and manufacturing base makes Moog especially important to Western New York’s aerospace economy.
Why Moog is included: Its New York headquarters and expertise in critical flight-control, actuation and space systems make it one of the state’s most influential aerospace manufacturers.
- Corporate headquarters: 400 Jamison Road, Elma, NY 14059
- Official website: https://www.moog.com/
4. Astronics Corporation
Astronics is another major aerospace technology company headquartered in Western New York. It develops equipment that passengers may never notice but that is essential to aircraft operation, safety and cabin performance.
Its product range includes aircraft electrical power systems, connectivity and data equipment, lighting, emergency systems, enhanced-vision technology, passenger service units and seat-actuation systems. Astronics also provides automated testing equipment, simulation systems and engineering services. Its customers operate commercial aircraft, business jets, military platforms, helicopters, eVTOL aircraft and spacecraft.
The company has also expanded its aircraft certification and cabin-technology capabilities through acquisitions. This gives Astronics a position across both original aircraft manufacturing and later modification or upgrade projects.
Why Astronics Corporation is included: Its wide range of aircraft power, cabin, lighting, connectivity and testing technologies makes it one of New York’s most diversified aerospace specialists.
- Worldwide headquarters: 130 Commerce Way, East Aurora, NY 14052
- Official website: https://www.astronics.com/
5. CPI Aerostructures
CPI Aerostructures, commonly known as CPI Aero, is headquartered in Edgewood on Long Island. It manufactures structural assemblies and systems for military and commercial aircraft.
Its capabilities include wing structures, engine inlets, nacelles, secondary aircraft structures, airborne pods, welded assemblies, maintenance support and supply-chain management. Its Edgewood headquarters contains approximately 171,000 square feet of manufacturing and assembly space and employs nearly 300 people.
CPI Aero entered 2026 with an active order book. During the year, it announced work connected with US Air Force T-38 modification kits, Embraer Phenom 100EX engine inlets, Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye assemblies, Sikorsky MH-60 Seahawk sustainment and Lockheed Martin F-16 structural assemblies.
Why CPI Aerostructures is included: Its current aircraft programmes and specialised Long Island manufacturing facility make it an important supplier to leading aerospace and defence contractors.
- Headquarters and manufacturing facility: 91 Heartland Boulevard, Edgewood, NY 11717
- Official website: https://www.cpiaero.com/
Why New York Matters to Aerospace
New York’s aerospace industry is spread across several specialised regions. Western New York is strong in flight controls, electrical systems and aircraft testing. Rochester has a major communications and defence-electronics workforce. Owego supports helicopter integration, while Long Island retains extensive experience in aerostructures and military aviation.
Companies evaluating New York aerospace suppliers should examine engineering capabilities, programme experience, quality certifications, production capacity and compliance with defence-industry requirements. Job seekers should look beyond pilots and aerospace engineers because the industry also recruits machinists, software developers, electronics technicians, quality inspectors and supply-chain specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which aerospace companies are headquartered in New York?
A: Moog is headquartered in Elma, Astronics is headquartered in East Aurora, and CPI Aerostructures is headquartered in Edgewood. Lockheed Martin and L3Harris are headquartered outside the state but maintain substantial New York operations.
Q: Does New York manufacture complete aircraft?
A: New York companies mainly manufacture aircraft systems, electronics and structural components rather than complete commercial airplanes. The state is especially strong in avionics, flight controls, mission systems, communications and aerostructures.
Q: Where are most aerospace jobs located in New York?
A: Important employment centres include Buffalo and Western New York, Rochester, Owego and the Southern Tier, Syracuse, and Long Island.
Q: What degrees are useful for aerospace careers?
A: Common qualifications include aerospace, mechanical, electrical, computer and software engineering. Employers also hire graduates in manufacturing technology, cybersecurity, supply-chain management and quality assurance.
Q: Do aerospace companies hire candidates without four-year degrees?
A: Yes. Many facilities recruit CNC machinists, assemblers, welders, electronics technicians, inspectors and maintenance specialists with technical certificates, associate degrees or relevant industry experience.