R2S opens new missile manufacturing plant at Camden

R2S, a joint venture between Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Raytheon, an RTX business, on Friday (Nov. 21) opened its new manufacturing facility in East Camden, Ark. Plans for the $33 million facility were announced in October 2023, but officials said it invested around $63 million.

The plant builds Tamir missiles for Israel’s Iron Dome interceptors and new SkyHunter missile for U.S. defense. When first announced, the state-of-the-art facility was expected to employ an additional 30 jobs, but it has grown to 60 new jobs for the region.

“The opening of our new facility in Camden marks a major step forward in strengthening U.S. production capacity for the Tamir and SkyHunter missile systems,” said Jonathan Casey, R2S chief executive officer. “This expansion supports the growing demand for these proven defense solutions and demonstrates commitment to investing in American manufacturing and the skilled workforce here in Arkansas. Together, we’re ensuring that our allies and the U.S. military have the capabilities they need to defend against evolving threats.”

Gov. Sarah Sanders and state economic officials closed the deal to build this plant at the 2023 Paris Air Show.

“Aerospace and defense companies like R2S choose Arkansas for a reason: we have a great workforce, low cost of living, an easy regulatory environment – and aren’t apologetic about serving as the arsenal of democracy for America and our allies,” said Sanders. “I had the chance to deepen our state’s relationship with R2S, first at the Paris Air Show in 2023, then at this site’s groundbreaking in 2024, and later in Israel this past summer, and I’m proud of the partnership the community of Camden and the state of Arkansas have built with this great company.”

Camden is already home to two defense industry companies that produce rockets, rocket parts and other advanced munitions.

Aerojet Rocketdyne has more than 1,100 employees in Camden’s Highland Industrial Park. The Camden site produces more than 75,000 solid rocket motors a year, mostly for Lockheed Martin.

Lockheed, which employs around 1,000 workers in Arkansas, occupies a combined manufacturing and support function floor space exceeding 1.9 million square feet spread out over more than 1,800 acres. Lockheed’s Camden facility produces components for the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), the Tactical Missile System (TACMS) missile, the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher, and the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE).

“In Arkansas, our aerospace and defense industry is thriving, enabling companies like R2S to make significant investments and create new jobs for Arkansans,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “This grand opening represents the success of partnerships – between RTX and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and between these companies, Calhoun County, Highland Industrial Park, and the State of Arkansas. This is a milestone for R2S and south Arkansas, and we are looking forward to many years of success.”