Purdue University continues to develop its Aerospace Discovery Park District near the campus in West Lafayette, IN. The district houses Purdue’s internationally recognized aviation and aeronautics program, Purdue University Airport, and Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories alongside several research and development facilities, both for the university and international companies, such as Saab Defense and Security, Rolls-Royce, and SEL Purdue. Purdue University is one of the few sites in the country to support public and private aerospace research within its facilities.
In May 2019, Purdue University’s Discovery Park District announced the addition of Saab Defense to the campus, where the company’s fighter jet facility will be housed. In partnership with the United States Air Force, Boeing-Saab will produce new fighter jets at the facility. Starting in 2024, the Air Force will receive upgraded jets with the full fleet being replaced by 2034.