CAMDEN, Ark. — Lockheed Martin officially broke ground Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2026, on a new Munitions Acceleration Center at its Camden facility, part of a broader effort to ramp up production of advanced missile interceptors amid growing national security demands.
The groundbreaking coincides with the company’s announcement of a framework agreement with the U.S. Department of War to quadruple annual production of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors, increasing output from 96 to 400 per year over the next seven years. The deal builds on a similar agreement earlier this month to accelerate production of PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors.
The new world-class facility in Camden will focus on preparing the workforce for future production of THAAD, PAC-3, and other systems through advanced manufacturing, robotics, and digital technologies. It supports Lockheed Martin’s multi-billion-dollar investment across more than 20 facilities in several states to expand munitions capacity.
Lockheed Martin’s Camden Operations, a major employer in southern Arkansas with over 1,100 workers, already produces components for systems like the PAC-3 MSE, High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), and Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). The site spans more than 2.2 million square feet across 2,400 acres in Highland Industrial Park.
The expansion aligns with federal priorities to strengthen U.S. missile defense capabilities and domestic supply chains in response to global threats. An initial contract award tied to the THAAD agreement is expected in fiscal year 2026, pending final congressional appropriations.
Local and state officials have highlighted the project’s potential economic benefits, including job creation and continued growth for the defense sector in Arkansas. The Camden area has seen related investments from other contractors, reinforcing its role as a hub for munitions and propulsion manufacturing.
Lockheed Martin representatives emphasized the facility’s role in building a skilled workforce and enhancing production efficiency for critical defense programs. Further details on timelines, employment impacts, and facility specifications are expected as construction progresses.
