Texas surpasses Virginia in defense spending, new report shows, and DFW is big reason why

“Texas has surpassed Virginia in defense spending, new estimates from the U.S. Department of Defense show, and Dallas-Fort Worth is a big reason why.

Texas captured an estimated $68.4 billion in total defense spending and $55.5 billion in contract spending in 2023, surpassing traditional powerhouse Virginia in both categories, according to the Defense Department’s Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation report. About half of DOD’s contract funds were for supplies and equipment such as aircraft, ships, weapons and parts.

The report underscores the state’s ascendance as a powerhouse for defense. And while the DOD full county-level report on spending won’t be out until this fall, previous reports have shown DFW makes up a large chunk of the contract spending in the state.”