Facility will produce Iron Dome and SkyHunter® interceptors, creating up to 60 jobs
EAST CAMDEN, Ark. (Nov. 21, 2025) — R2S, a joint venture between Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Raytheon, an RTX business, today celebrated the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in East Camden. The facility was established to support the Israel Missile Defense Organization’s (IMDO) initiative to accelerate serial production of Iron Dome interceptors and will manufacture the Tamir missile for the Iron Dome Weapon System, as well as the SkyHunter® missile for use by the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. allies.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined state and local officials and company leadership for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of the facility. Speakers highlighted the facility’s importance to U.S. and allied defense readiness, as well as its growing impact on Arkansas’ aerospace and defense industry.
The R2S facility represents an investment of approximately $63 million and is expected to create up to 60 new jobs in the region. The new operation expands RTX’s existing production footprint at the Highland Industrial Park and strengthens south Arkansas’ role in advanced defense manufacturing.
Initially announced in October 2023 following Governor Sanders’ meeting with company executives at the Paris Air Show, the project has expanded significantly from its original scope of a $33 million investment and 30 planned jobs. R2S broke ground on the facility in February 2024 during a ceremony attended by Governor Sanders and local leaders. Governor Sanders later met with R2S executives again during her visit to Israel in August 2025 to discuss the project’s progress and future investment opportunities in Arkansas.
“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, chief executive officer of R2S. “This expansion supports growing demand for these proven defense solutions and demonstrates our commitment to investing in American manufacturing and the skilled workforce here in Arkansas. Together, we are ensuring the U.S. military and our allies have the capabilities needed to defend against evolving threats.”
“Aerospace and defense companies like R2S choose Arkansas because we offer a skilled workforce, a low cost of living, a pro-business regulatory environment and an unapologetic commitment to serving as the arsenal of democracy for America and our allies,” said Governor Sanders. “From our first conversations at the Paris Air Show to the groundbreaking and my recent visit to Israel, this project represents a strong partnership between R2S, the state of Arkansas and the Camden community—and I’m proud of what we’ve built together.”
U.S. Senator John Boozman praised the project’s regional and national significance. “This is a proud milestone for R2S, Camden and the state of Arkansas,” Boozman said. “The advanced defense technology produced at this facility will help protect America and our allies while creating strong career opportunities and meaningful economic impact for south Arkansas.”
Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, emphasized the strength of public-private collaboration behind the project. “Arkansas’ aerospace and defense industry continues to thrive, enabling companies like R2S to make significant investments and create new jobs,” O’Neal said. “This grand opening reflects the success of partnerships among RTX, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Calhoun County, Highland Industrial Park and the State of Arkansas. It marks an important milestone for R2S and the region.”
Local leaders also welcomed the investment. “Calhoun County is proud to welcome R2S to our growing community of defense and aerospace innovators,” said Calhoun County Judge Floyd Nutt. “This investment strengthens our local economy while supporting national security, and we are grateful that R2S recognized the potential of our region and workforce.”
James Lee Silliman, executive director of the Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development, noted the region’s long-standing defense heritage. “Today’s dedication ceremony represents months of collaboration among committed partners,” Silliman said. “The decision to locate this project at Highland Industrial Park reinforces south Arkansas’ proud aerospace and defense legacy and strengthens our industry base for years to come.”
R2S is actively hiring for a range of positions at the East Camden facility. To learn more or apply, visit www.rraps.net.
About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) works strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities and position Arkansas as the natural choice for success. AEDC is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. Learn more at www.ArkansasEDC.com.
