RTX, Rafael to build missile production facility in Arkansas

Raytheon, an RTX business, in partnership with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, will build a manufacturing facility in East Camden, Ark., to produce the Tamir missile for the Iron Dome Weapon System and its U.S. variant, SkyHunter.

Through the established Raytheon-Rafael Area Protection Systems joint venture, the companies have committed to a $33 million capital investment to establish the new facility. Once operational, the facility will produce missiles for the U.S. Marine Corps and other allied partners.

The two companies have collaborated for more than a decade on Iron Dome, which has more than 5,000 operational intercepts and a success rate exceeding 90%. SkyHunter is a medium-range air defense weapon designed to counter cruise missiles, manned and unmanned aircraft, rockets, artillery, and mortars. SkyHunter missiles will be produced for the U.S. Marine Corps Medium Range Intercept Capability (MRIC) program.

The joint venture plans to break ground on the new facility before the end of 2023 with the intent to begin missile production in 2025.