Israeli-US venture R2S breaks ground on Arkansas missile facility

In a boost to security and economic development, R2S has initiated the construction of its new manufacturing facility in East Camden, Arkansas. 

The $63m investment aims to fortify the region’s aerospace and defence manufacturing role while creating up to 60 new job opportunities.

The announcement of the partnership between RTX and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to establish the missile production facility was announced at the end of last year.

The facility, a joint venture between Raytheon and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, will primarily focus on producing the Tamir missile for the Iron Dome Weapon System and its variant, the SkyHunter missile, catering to the needs of the US Marine Corps and allied nations. This move shows a commitment to bolstering defence capabilities and fostering international partnerships.

Pini Yungman, executive vice president and general manager of the air & missile defence division at Rafael, highlighted the significance of local production in strengthening partnerships and ensuring security. “The establishment of the new facility is the result of strong cooperation between Rafael and Raytheon…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,” remarked Yungman, underlining the collaborative efforts driving the project forward.

The outbreak of armed conflict between Israel and the Hamas terrorist organisation has become the most recent driver of additional US defence expenditure, with existing security commitments leading to the provision of military equipment and financial support to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), according to GlobalData’s intelligence on the US defence market.

Annabel Flores, deputy president of land & air defence systems at Raytheon, expressed gratitude towards the project’s partners and stakeholders, emphasising the commitment to supporting defence initiatives. “This increase represents the commitment by both partners to support this critical project for the USMC and to our allies around the world that depend on a reliable air defence system,” stated Flores, acknowledging the collaborative effort that made the project possible.

With construction underway, the R2S manufacturing facility is poised to become a cornerstone of East Camden’s economy, reinforcing its position as a hub for defence technology. As the project progresses, it is expected to enhance national security, stimulate economic growth, and create new opportunities for the region’s workforce.