Ohio leaders are making a coordinated push to bring the new U.S. Space Force Academy to Dayton, with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Wright State University at the center of the effort.

If Ohio lands the academy, the impact could extend well beyond the campus itself, creating new opportunities across the state’s defense and aerospace supply chain.

“This is exactly the kind of opportunity that can create a long runway for Ohio manufacturers,” said James Lee, Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) director of public policy services. “A project like this brings investment, talent and new demand into a sector where Ohio already has deep manufacturing strength.”

OMA members interested in the future of Ohio’s defense and aerospace sector can join the OMA Defense and Aerospace Committee on Nov. 18 for updates on the issues, investments and opportunities shaping the industry. 9/21/2026