The Hampton Roads region is home to the largest concentration of active-duty military personnel in the U.S., making it a critical hub in the national security landscape. The defense sector drives more than one-third of the local economy.
With its strategic military assets, highly skilled workforce, business-friendly environment, and exceptional quality of life, Virginia Beach stands as a cornerstone of national defense and a key part of one of the most robust defense ecosystems in the country.
The sole East Coast Master Jet Base of the U.S.
The world’s largest naval base.
America’s first civil aeronautics laboratory.
Competitive Advantages
(regionally)
(regionally)
supported by defense
millions awarded to VB businesses
per capita in the U.S.
of the top U.S. contractors have presence in the region
Economic Advantages
Strategic Partners & Programs
- Virginia Beach International Incubator
- Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Coastal Virginia
- NavalX Mid-Atlantic Tech Bridge
- Neptune Shield Mid-Atlantic Innovation & Tech Hub
- NASA Langley Research Center
In the second quarter of 2025, Virginia Beach businesses received 121 federal awards totaling $559.2 million.
Prime Mid-Atlantic location and close proximity to many major U.S. cities:
- The Port of Virginia: 3rd largest port on the East Coast and 5th in the U.S.
- 2 days drive to reach 60% of the U.S. population.
- 2 international airports (Washington, D.C. and Norfolk).
Highly educated, skilled, and sustainable labor:
- 12 regional colleges & universities and 21 trade and technical schools.
- 14,000+ exiting military members annually, with half retained in the local workforce.
Virginia was ranked as the #1 State for Business in 2024.
- 0% tax on machinery, tools, inventory, and sales tax on purchases of goods used directly in production.
- 6% state corporate income tax and local sales tax rate.
- State and local incentives offered to eligible companies based on capital investment and job creation.
Virginia Beach was named #8 of “The Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024 (U.S. News & World Report)
Key Regional Military Assets
- Langley Air Force Base
- Naval Station Norfolk
- Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story
- Naval Air Station Oceana
- NATO Headquarters
- Naval Weapons Station Yorktown
- Dam Neck (SOCOM)
Defense Companies
