SC Competes Launches SC Defense at 2026 Spring Summit
At the 2026 SC Competes Spring Summit, we officially launched SC Defense, a new statewide initiative designed to strengthen South Carolina’s role in the national defense economy. The launch took place during the luncheon panel, “Growth in Defense,” where leaders from aerospace defense suppliers, TL+CO and Maher Advanced Manufacturing, joined the former Chairman of the SC Military Base Task Force to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing companies working in the rapidly-evolving defense sector.
SC Defense brings together the combined efforts of SC Competes’ SC Logistics, SC Tech, and SC Aerospace clusters, recognizing that the industries supporting national security, from advanced manufacturing and aviation to technology and logistics, are deeply interconnected. By aligning these existing clusters and working alongside our external partners, this new initiative aims to help South Carolina companies better navigate defense contracting, strengthen supply chains, and expand the state’s defense economy.
South Carolina already plays a major role in the nation’s defense infrastructure. With eight major military installations, a top-10 concentration of service members, and billions in Department of Defense (DoD) contract activity, the state is a critical hub for military readiness and advanced manufacturing.
SC Competes is working to connect companies with these growing defense opportunities. The Spring Summit this year reintroduced defense into our long-standing B2B Matchmaking sessions, in partnership with the SC Department of Commerce. Multiple defense buyers joined the sold-out business-to-business matchmaking event, which paired buyers with SC-based suppliers from logistics, technology, and aerospace.
According to the SC Department of Military Affairs, the defense sector supports:
- $34.3 billion in economic impact
- 254,000 jobs across the state—about 1 in every 9 jobs
- 66,000 service members, ranking 10th nationally
- $6.8 billion in direct investment
South Carolina is also the #8 largest recipient of DoD contracts nationally, with contract spending growing 30% in recent years—from $2.7 billion in 2017 to $3.5 billion in 2024.
The Spring Summit panel featured leaders from Maher Manufacturing and TL+CO, who highlighted that demand across the defense sector is growing rapidly, particularly in aerospace, avionics, advanced materials, and unmanned systems. In many cases, demand is outpacing supply, creating opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers across the state.
Organizations like the SC Apex Accelerator provide SBIR and STTR assistance to SC companies, allowing small businesses to develop new technologies with federal funding while building relationships within the defense ecosystem and boosting suppliers into the defense supply chain.
South Carolina’s strengths in advanced manufacturing and composites position the state well to meet this demand. While opportunities are growing, entering the defense supply chain can be challenging. Companies must navigate complex federal regulations, cybersecurity requirements, and certification processes.
One of the most significant upcoming requirements is Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance. A growing share of defense contracts will require CMMC compliance, with that number expected to increase significantly in the coming years.As defense demand grows, South Carolina will need strong workforce pipelines in areas such as advanced manufacturing, composites, machining, and cybersecurity, while also connecting transitioning service members with civilian careers in the sector.
Through SC Defense, SC Competes is bringing together the state’s logistics, technology, and aerospace strengths to help companies access defense opportunities and strengthen the state’s role in supporting national security.
