U.S. Senator Katie Britt, R-Alabama, and U.S. Representatives Mike Rogers, R-Alabama, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and Dale Strong, R-Alabama, represented the Alabama delegation at the 55th edition of the Paris Air Show.
The Paris Air Show, organized by SIAE, a subsidiary of the French Aerospace Industries Association, showcases aerospace manufacturers and suppliers from Alabama and across the globe. Last year, exports of aerospace products and parts remained Alabama’s top category, totaling $13.7 billion. The industry supports more than 45,000 jobs and generates $6 billion in economic activity annually in the state, spanning over 300 aerospace companies.
“Alabama stands as the world’s arsenal and a global leader in aviation, aerospace, and defense innovation. The 2025 Paris Air Show showcased Alabama’s exceptional leadership, reaffirming our state’s vital role in safeguarding freedom both at home and across the globe. The ingenuity, skill, and grit of Alabamians are truly powering the innovations that will redefine what’s possible from our skies to deep space—our delegation is united in supporting and advancing this legacy of excellence. I will continue to work to support strategic investments in our great state to modernize our aerospace, defense, and intelligence capabilities, so that our nation achieves peace through strength,” Britt said.
“Alabama’s presence at the Paris Air Show is a tangible representation of the critical role that our state plays in advancing aerospace, aviation, and defense innovation. Over the last 30 years, Huntsville, Madison County, and the entire state of Alabama have grown opportunities, driven investment, and proudly represented all that our state has to offer. The future is bright, and I look forward to all that is to come for our great state,” Strong said.
“It was amazing to see Alabama’s defense industrial base out in full force at the Paris Airshow,” Rogers said. “Alabama is without a doubt the best place to do business, and the defense industry sees that. With the help of industry and local leaders, I will continue to work to cement our beloved state as a nationwide leader in national security.”
In addition to a team from the Alabama Department of Commerce, economic development specialists and business leaders from communities across the state attended the Paris Air Show. These include Huntsville, Mobile, the Birmingham region, Montgomery and Auburn-Opelika. Representatives from Auburn University, the University of Alabama in Huntsville and the Alabama Community College System were also at the air show.
“Alabama’s presence at the 2025 Paris Air Show was a tremendous success, marked by productive meetings with global industry leaders and meaningful progress on several fronts. Our delegation was proud to showcase the state’s unmatched strengths in aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing. We were especially grateful for the strong support from our Congressional delegation, whose leadership reinforces Alabama’s standing on the world stage. This mission also highlighted the power of collaboration— bringing together communities, universities, and economic development allies from across the state, all united by a shared commitment to growth and innovation. The momentum we’ve built in Paris will continue to drive results for Alabama,” said Ellen McNair, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
