SW Arkansas Times

Yesterday in East Camden, Arkansas, Congressman Bruce Westerman, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and U.S. Senator John Boozman came together to mark the groundbreaking of the new R2S manufacturing facility. This facility, a collaboration between Raytheon and Rafael Advanced Defense System, will produce the Tamir missile for the Iron Dome Weapon System and its variant, the SkyHunter® missile.

Representing the Arkansas congressional delegation, Congressman Bruce Westerman expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "This new facility will usher in high quality jobs for Arkansans and will be instrumental in ensuring the Natural State remains a global leader in aerospace and defense manufacturing."

Senator John Boozman also highlighted the significance of the groundbreaking, emphasizing East Camden's role in national security and job creation: "Securing East Camden’s position as the arsenal of democracy has always been our vision... I will continue advocating for funding to encourage more defense industry investment in our state, help the region grow and provide well-paying jobs for Arkansans."

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders commended the investment in the local economy and the facility's impact on national security, stating, "Our world is a whole lot less secure than it used to be, and this facility makes our country safer... Thank you to all who made this announcement possible, and thank you to the team in Camden for helping our state stand out."

Annabel Flores, Deputy President of Land & Air Defense Systems at Raytheon, announced an increase in capital investment for the project, expressing the partners' commitment to the USMC and allies worldwide. Pini Yungman, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Air & Missile Defense Division at Rafael, highlighted the cooperation between Rafael and Raytheon in establishing the new facility, emphasizing the importance of local production for strengthening partnerships and enhancing security.

The event also drew praise from Clint O’Neal, Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, who commended the favorable business environment in Arkansas that supports companies like R2S, Raytheon, and Rafael. Additionally, James Lee Silliman, Executive Director of the Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development, thanked the project partners and local leaders for their efforts in bringing the project to fruition.

Calhoun County Judge Floyd Nutt expressed pride in Calhoun County being chosen as the site for the R2S manufacturing facility, citing the region's history in aerospace and defense manufacturing as a strong foundation for the project's success.

The groundbreaking ceremony signifies a significant milestone in the Iron Dome program and marks the beginning of a new chapter in aerospace and defense manufacturing in East Camden, Arkansas.