The National Institute for Aviation Research – NIAR from Wichita State University and Orizon Aerostructures, on July 20, 2026, went on to announce a strategic partnership to accelerate US aerospace and defense manufacturing with unified engineering, research, and production capabilities.
The collaboration brings together the award-winning advanced manufacturing capabilities of Orizon with unparalleled expertise in engineering, research, testing, and certification as well as digitization of NIAR.
The organizations will jointly provide customers with support to accelerate product creation, industrialization, production growth, and supply chain preparedness.
With demand continuing to surge when it comes to the commercial aerospace, defense and space sectors, the alliance is addressing key industry issues, including personnel development, production scalability, optimization of processes, qualification schedules, and innovation in manufacturing. According to the CEO of Orizon Aerostructures, Charlie Newell, “By combining NIAR’s engineering and research capabilities with Orizon’s manufacturing expertise, we enable our customers to move from concept to production faster and with greater confidence.”
The agreement will support the efforts to enhance production preparedness, minimize lead times, boost manufacturing output, and bolster the aerospace and defense industrial foundation of the country. As per Wichita State executive vice president for research and industry and defense programs and NIAR executive director John Tomblin, “Kansas’ role as the Air Capital of the World depends on the strength and resilience of its supplier ecosystem. This partnership strategically aligns NIAR’s research and engineering expertise with Orizon’s advanced manufacturing capabilities to strengthen that ecosystem, accelerate innovation, and ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of global aerospace and defense production.”
It is worth noting that the partnership signals a common dedication to innovation, operational excellence, and enhancing the global competitiveness when it comes to the US aerospace and defense manufacturing.
Says U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, “This partnership between NIAR and Orizon Aerostructures strengthens Kansas’ role as the Air Capital of the World and reinforces our state’s global leadership in aerospace and defense. By bringing together world-class research, engineering expertise, and advanced manufacturing capabilities, this collaboration will create new opportunities for our skilled workforce and bolster the role Kansans play in aerospace and defense innovation and production.”