Governor Sanders announces a $33 million defense and aerospace complex in South Arkansas

Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas will gain new employment when the aerospace and defense business RTX opens a $33 million facility in East Camden, according to a statement made by Governor Sanders on Thursday.

The plant will create the Tamir missile for the Iron Dome Weapon System and its American equivalent, the SkyHunter missile, which will be employed by the U.S. Marine Corps and its partners, according to a follow-up news release.

At the announcement, it was reported that in order to secure this investment, Raytheon executives were met at the Paris Air Show by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, representatives from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), and the Department of Commerce. According to officials, RTX’s current production capacity at the East Camden Highland Industrial Park is expanded by the new manufacturing facility.

“Today’s announcement further establishes Arkansas as a leader in aerospace and defense, and our critical role in keeping America and key allies like Israel safe. I am proud that South Arkansas will serve the U.S. Marine Corps and our allies and play an even bigger role in America’s defense while bringing more jobs and opportunity to our state,” said Governor Sanders.

Senior vice president of Global Government Relations at RTX, Jeff Shockey, stated that the company’s growth will enable it to meet the expanding demands of its international clientele, eventually enhancing Rafael’s direct assistance to the Israeli Defense Forces.

“This expansion will support our ability to address the needs of both current and future customers,” said Jeff Shockey, senior vice president of Global Government Relations at RTX. “Thanks to the unwavering support of Governor Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Congressional delegation, this new facility allows us to expand our presence in Camden, leverage the established defense community and workforce, and build our capacity to support the growing needs of our global customers and eventually augment Rafael’s direct support for Israeli Defense Forces.”