Defense contractor Lockheed Martin is pouring $420 million into its Camden, Arkansas manufacturing complex, a move that will generate about 650 new jobs over the next five years. The investment is aimed at expanding technical capabilities and increasing output for the PAC‑3, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and Precision Strike Missile platforms.
Governor Sanders hails the expansion as a boost to the state’s defense industrial base
“Industry is growing all across Arkansas, but there’s no place seeing faster growth for a better purpose than Camden,” Governor Sanders said. “Lockheed Martin is relying on South Arkansas to supply American warfighters and our allies all across the world, and Arkansans are answering the call. We could not be prouder to say that we are the Arsenal of Freedom, and I look forward to Lockheed continuing its expansion in our state and creating hundreds more Arkansas jobs.”
Facility history and recent upgrades
The 2.2‑million‑square‑foot plant has delivered more than 700,000 missiles and rockets since it opened in 1979. Earlier this year, Lockheed Martin broke ground on a munitions acceleration center after reaching an agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense to quadruple THAAD interceptor production from 96 to 400 units annually. The new center will employ advanced manufacturing, robotics and digital technologies to train a skilled workforce for THAAD, PAC‑3 and other missile platforms.
Economic impact for Camden and the surrounding region
Lockheed Martin already employs roughly 1,100 workers at the Camden site. The additional 650 positions are expected to span engineering, assembly, quality assurance and support services, providing stable, well‑paying jobs for families in the area. Local businesses anticipate increased demand for housing, food services and transportation as the workforce expands.
What the expansion means for national security
By boosting production of critical missile systems, the Camden expansion strengthens the United States’ defensive posture and supports allies who rely on these capabilities. The PAC‑3 and THAAD systems are key components of the nation’s layered missile defense architecture, protecting both the homeland and forward‑deployed forces.
Looking ahead
Lockheed Martin plans to continue hiring throughout the next five years, with a focus on recruiting skilled technicians and engineers from Arkansas and neighboring states. The company’s commitment to the Camden community underscores the importance of a strong domestic defense industrial base, a priority shared by the Trump administration’s emphasis on American manufacturing and national security.
For more information on the available positions, interested candidates can visit Lockheed Martin’s careers page.
Original reporting: KATV Little Rock (local) — read the source article.
