A new facility in Arkansas is set to boost the production of solid rocket motor for the United States. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) joined federal, state and local leaders today to open the new Arsenal of Freedom solid rocket motor production facility in Camden.
L3Harris highlighted that the new facility, along with additional propellant processing facilities, will support production for the U.S. Army’s Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS). The new footprint centralizes production of the solid rocket motors that power the surface-to-surface precision fires capability.
Rocket propulsion is a vital national security capability
“Rocket propulsion is a vital national security capability,” said Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael P. Duffey. “This state-of-the-art facility enhances L3Harris’ capabilities and represents a critical leap forward in solid rocket motor production capacity, ensuring the joint forces and our allies maintain a resilient, responsive, and secure supply chain for precision munitions to support our warfighters.”
Increased demand for tactical missiles, including Javelin, Stinger
The completion of this facility is part of a $216 million cooperative agreement the company signed with the Department of War in 2023 to support the increased demand for tactical missiles, including Javelin, Stinger and the GMLRS. The Department’s Defense Production Act Title III cooperative agreement with L3Harris included building new facilities at its Camden, Arkansas, and Orange County, Virginia, locations, as well as equipment and digital upgrades at the Huntsville, Alabama, facilities, according to a press release.
“The opening of this facility is a reminder that Camden, Arkansas, is an anchor of the defense industry and a critical component of the Arsenal of Freedom,” said Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
“I was honored to take part in the groundbreaking for their Arkansas Advanced Propulsion Facilities campus late last year, and I’m excited they are officially opening the doors on this new facility where they will soon begin producing motors. This is a great moment for the people of Camden, the state of Arkansas, and the United States. Thank you to the team at L3Harris for their commitment to freedom and for choosing to call Arkansas home.”
L3Harris’ Camden expansion reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to Arkansas, where it continues to modernize facilities and create manufacturing jobs supporting national defense in South Arkansas. The company is executing multiple expansion projects at its Camden site, including the Arkansas Advanced Propulsion Facilities and two new facilities to support PAC-3 propulsion production, as per the release.
“Camden, Arkansas, has become a critical hub for aerospace and defense manufacturing for the United States and its allied nations, producing the essential armaments that protect us day-in and day-out,” said Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald.
“L3Harris has become a major part of the aerospace and defense sector in Arkansas, manufacturing its solid rocket motors at the Highland Industrial Park in Camden. With the ribbon cutting of its state-of-the-art Arsenal of Freedom facility, L3Harris marks an important milestone that moves them, Arkansas, and our nation forward, and we are proud to celebrate this milestone with them.”