John Tomblin (NIAR), Senator Moran, Charlie & Henry Newell, Lt. Gov. David Toland, and Jeff Fluhr (Greater Wichita Partnership).
NIAR and Orizon Aerostructures form strategic alliance to accelerate aerospace and defense manufacturing
Farnborough, England, July 20, 2026
Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and Orizon Aerostructures today announced a strategic alliance aimed at accelerating aerospace and defense manufacturing through integrated engineering, research and production capabilities.
The collaboration combines Orizon’s award-winning advanced manufacturing capabilities with NIAR’s world-class expertise in engineering, research, testing, certification and digital transformation. Together, the organizations will support customers in accelerating product development, industrialization, production ramp-up and supply chain readiness.
As demand continues to grow across commercial aerospace, defense and space sectors, the partnership is focused on key industry challenges such as workforce development, production scalability, process optimization, qualification timelines and manufacturing innovation.
“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,” said Charlie Newell, CEO of Orizon Aerostructures.
The partnership will enable initiatives to improve production readiness, reduce lead times, increase manufacturing throughput and strengthen the nation’s aerospace and defense industrial base.
“Kansas’ role as the Air Capital of the World depends on the strength and resilience of its supplier ecosystem,” said John Tomblin, Wichita State executive vice president for Research and Industry and Defense Programs and NIAR executive director. “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.”
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, operational excellence and advancing the global competitiveness of the U.S. aerospace and defense sector.
“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,” said U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran. “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.”