Defense Industry Maine
Defense Industry Maine (DIME) is an initiative of Maine International Trade Center. As a public-private partnership with international expertise, DIME serves the US Department of Defense (DOD) and Maine businesses to create a mission-ready defense industrial base through delivering innovative capability and strengthening the supply chain.
Arctic Gateway
As the northeasternmost state with close ties to its Arctic neighbors, Maine is ideally situated to provide the United States with a strategic advantage in the High North. Portland, Maine is the first major port of entry to the Northwest Passage in the eastern United States and critical to establishing an American foothold in this increasingly complex threat environment.
MAINEiacs Aim High During Arctic Challenge
The 101st Air National Guard Refueling Wing, stationed in Bangor, ME – otherwise known as the MAINEiacs – routinely demonstrate superior capability and readiness in the High North. The MAINEiacs are currently finalists to receive KC-46As to replace aging KC-135s.
Innovation & Resiliency
With a defense sector primarily comprised of small and medium sized businesses, Maine’s defense industry is built to meet every challenge. From hybrid propulsion engines to blast and ballistics protection, Maine is a growing hub of technological innovation focused on ensuring our service members are mission ready.
Tungsten Supplier Collaboration
Maine-based Elmet Technologies has agreed to a collaboration with an Australian tungsten supplier that’s expected to strengthen the Western industrial base and supply chain for the metal. With three manufacturing facilities, the company is the only 100% US-owned producer of pure tungsten and related tungsten alloys.
Small State, Big Impact
The defense cluster makes up about 4.6% of GDP in Maine, one of the highest rates of any state in the United States.
Location and assets remain key strategic advantages for Maine. The state is home to 9 active military facilities, as well as several bases constructed in the late 20th century no longer in use. For example, Loring Air Force Base, critical for its proximity to Europe and the Arctic during the Cold War, the base has been undergoing redevelopment, with the Loring Commerce Centre now occupying the site.
From socks and bolts to warships and satellites, Maine’s defense cluster includes:
- Shipbuilding
- Munitions
- Niche manufacturing
- Advanced textiles
- Foreign military sales though DOD
- Direct commercial sales through USDOS and USCS
- BRAC base redevelopment
- Experienced veteran and retiree workforce
- Installation and community partnerships
DIME Goals
- Deliver public infrastructure and services to enhance the strategic defense posture.
- Achieve low-cost innovative capability at speed.
- Increase military, civilian, and industrial readiness and resiliency.
- Support military families.
How We Help
Defense Industry Maine (DIME) provides technical and financial assistance to small businesses throughout all Maine counties and communities that seek to engage in the national defense mission.
- Consultation and referrals to local, state, regional, and international partners
- Micro project funding for domestic business development – Maine Domestic Trade Expansion Program
- Micro project funding for international business development – STEP Financial Assistance Awards
- Advocacy for veteran’s employment, workforce development, manufacturing advancement through collaboration with other clusters and states
Our Partners
- Maine DECD
- New England Regional Defense Industry Collaboration (NERDIC)
- APEX Accelerators
- Maine Manufacturers Extension Partnership (MEP)
- Maine Technology Institute
- Maine Community College System
- University of Maine
- Roux Institute at Northeastern University
- University of Southern Maine
- Maine & Co.
- Live and Work in Maine
- Boots2Roots