· San Diego’s defense and transportation manufacturing industry, a longtime workhorse of the regional economy, remains a major economic force today. San Diego is home to the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SPAWAR), and boasts more than $1.2 billion annually in contracts and salaries in the region.

· The depth of business, workforce talent, and world-class university research programs are reasons companies such as Cubic Corporation, General Atomics, General Dynamics NASSCO, Goodrich Aerostructure, Lockheed Martin, SAIC, and Solar Turbines benefit from doing business in San Diego.

· Products currently manufactured in San Diego include satellite communications systems, electronic systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, propulsion systems, deep space cameras, rugged military computers and displays, and robotic roving vehicles.

· San Diego is a leader in U.S. defense and homeland security efforts. The direct economic impact of military spending in San Diego is $13.4 billion.

· The ripple effect of defense spending adds another $10.4 billion to the local economy, meaning defense accounts for more than 18% of San Diego County’s gross regional product.

· San Diego has the most active-duty military personnel of any region in the country. For every two jobs supported by the military and defense R&D and manufacturing, the region supports another job in a related industry.

Updated 5/10/10