R2S, a joint venture between Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Raytheon, an RTX business, has opened its new manufacturing facility in East Camden, Arkansas. The facility was established to support the Israel Missile Defense Organization's (IMDO), operating within the Israeli MOD's Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), initiative to accelerate serial production of Iron Dome interceptors. The state-of-the-art facility will produce the Tamir missile for the Iron Dome Weapon System and its variant, the SkyHunter® missile to be used by the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. allies.
Governor Sanders, along with state and local officials, joined company representatives for a grand opening for the facility on Friday. During the event, company executives and state leaders highlighted the importance of the R2S manufacturing facility for national defense and its impact on the Arkansas aerospace and defense industry.
The R2S facility represents an investment of approximately $63 million and will create up to 60 new jobs in the region. This facility will build on RTX’s existing production capacity at the Highland Industrial Park.
Originally announced in October 2023 following Governor Sanders’ meeting with company executives at the Paris Air Show, the project has grown from an initial $33 million investment and planned 30 jobs. R2S broke ground on the facility in February 2024 during a ceremony attended by Governor Sanders and other local leaders. Governor Sanders again met with R2S during her visit to Israel in August 2025 to discuss this project and potential future investments 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, R2S Chief Executive Officer. “This expansion supports the growing demand for these proven defense solutions and demonstrates commitment to investing in American manufacturing and the skilled workforce here in Arkansas. Together, we’re ensuring that our allies and the U.S. military have the capabilities they need to defend against evolving threats.”
“Aerospace and defense companies like R2S choose Arkansas for a reason: we have a great workforce, low cost of living, an easy regulatory environment - and aren’t apologetic about serving as the arsenal of democracy for America and our allies,” said Governor Sanders. “I had the chance to deepen our state’s relationship with R2S, first at the Paris Air Show in 2023, then at this site’s groundbreaking in 2024, and later in Israel this past summer, and I’m proud of the partnership the community of Camden and the state of Arkansas have built with this great company."
“This is another proud and exciting milestone for R2S, Camden and the state of Arkansas. The cutting-edge defense technology produced at this facility will help protect America and our allies while creating great career opportunities and local economic impact. We look forward to that continued partnership as well as the ongoing efforts to bolster south Arkansas’s workforce training capabilities in support of this vital industry,” said Senator John Boozman.
“In Arkansas, our aerospace and defense industry is thriving, enabling companies like R2S to make significant investments and create new jobs for Arkansans,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “This grand opening represents the success of partnerships – between RTX and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and between these companies, Calhoun County, Highland Industrial Park, and the State of Arkansas. This is a milestone for R2S and south Arkansas, and we are looking forward to many years of success.”
“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 not only our local economy but also our nation’s security. We’re grateful to Governor Sanders, Raytheon, and Rafael for recognizing the potential of our region and the hardworking people of South Arkansas.”
"Today's dedication ceremony of the R2S facility is an exciting day for our state and area, and we welcome R2S to our community,” said James Lee Silliman, executive director of the Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development. “The Calhoun and Ouachita County area has a lengthy heritage for the defense of our nation and allies. The commitment made to locate this project here enhances and strengthens our proud aerospace and defense industry base in Highland Industrial Park. This dedication ceremony represents the culmination of many months of effort by our partners to make this project a reality for our state and community. Our team partners are to be commended for their support on the project. Many thanks are owed to those partners beginning with R2S, the RTX and Rafael partnership, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, AEDC, Highland Industrial Park management, Calhoun County Judge Floyd Nutt and Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development.”