Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and local leaders recently joined R2S, a joint venture between Rafael Advanced Defense System and Raytheon, to break ground on a new manufacturing facility in East Camden, the Governor’s Office reported.
The facility represents an investment of approximately $63 million dollars and will create up to 60 jobs, doubling the previous commitment of the two companies. It will produce Tamir missiles used by Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system and its variant, the SkyHunter missile, to be used by the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. allies.
“It’s an honor to join R2S for today’s groundbreaking, just as it was an honor to announce this project in October and meet with company representatives last summer at the Paris Air Show,” Sanders said. “This investment will be a boon for the local economy: $63 million and 60 new jobs. More than that, 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.”
“Today, we mark a significant milestone in the Iron Dome program – one of the most important and advanced air defense systems in the world,” said Pini Yungman, executive vice president and general manager of the Air & Missile Defense Division, Rafael. “The establishment of the new facility is the result of strong cooperation between Rafael and Raytheon, who joined forces about 18 years ago.
“We have built and maintained fruitful collaboration based on the shared vision of both companies, committed to the highest level of technological innovation. The United States is a true partner, and local production, which we have aspired to for many years, will strengthen the partnership while safeguarding the interests of all sides. I am confident that we are ready for further cooperation in the future aimed at ensuring the security of the citizens of Israel and America.”
Numerous civil and political leaders expressed their support for the project, including U.S. Sen. John Boozman, who noted a long-term goal of securing East Camden’s position as the “arsenal of democracy,” and U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, who noted that such investments are crucial to bolstering America’s national defense capabilities. Calhoun County Judge Floyd Nutt, Executive Director James Lee Silliman of the Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development and Annabel Flores, deputy president of Land & Air Defense Systems, Raytheon, likewise expressed the significance of the project for the area, the nation and allies around the world.
“Arkansas is a major center for aerospace and defense manufacturing, with an experienced workforce and favorable business environment that helps companies succeed,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Congratulations to R2S, Raytheon and Rafael on their groundbreaking in East Camden and to the local leaders for creating the conditions that give companies the confidence to grow in their community.”
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