L3Harris Technologies and Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined state and local leaders to break ground on the new Arkansas Advanced Propulsion Facilities (AAPF), a major capacity expansion aimed at strengthening U.S. production of large solid rocket motors. The project carries clear composites application, as next-generation SRM manufacturing depends heavily on composite motor casings and high-performance structural components engineered for superior strength-to-weight efficiency, thermal resistance, and reliability under extreme load conditions.

This expansion signals rising demand for advanced composite materials, precision processes, and automated manufacturing technologies supporting propulsion-grade structures.

The development spans more than 20 buildings across 110 acres at the company s Camden site and is positioned to increase large solid rocket motor manufacturing capacity six-fold. The new complexes will focus on producing medium and large motors essential for tactical and air defense missiles, missile-defense targets, interceptors, hypersonic systems, and emerging defense programs.

This is a generational project and investment, demonstrating L3Harris role in unleashing America s Arsenal of Freedom, said Christopher Kubasik, Chair and CEO, L3Harris. Together with the state of Arkansas, we are adding capability that will protect our nation and allies, deter would-be aggressors and strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base.

Governor Sanders reinforced the state s strategic value: When companies like L3Harris do business in Arkansas, it not only reinforces the aerospace and defense industry our number one export but it also enhances our ability to supply America s military and our allies with critical defense systems that preserve freedom around the world.

The AAPF will integrate next-generation digital manufacturing, precision robotics, automated inspections, real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance analytics, and autonomous ground vehicles to support safe and efficient production. The campus will add 230,000 square feet of new manufacturing and office space to the broader 2,000-acre Camden site, bringing total manufacturing capacity beyond 1.5 million square feet. Program-agnostic equipment and facilities provide flexibility to shift production quickly in response to defense program demand.

We are proud Camden has for decades helped lead the way in producing critical weapons systems that bolster national defense and mission readiness,  said Sen. John Boozman.  This significant investment strengthens the long-term capability of the arsenal of democracy.

Rep. Bruce Westerman added that the expansion supports national defense priorities while boosting Arkansas economy and workforce. State leaders echoed that sentiment, noting South Arkansas growing role as a key aerospace and defense manufacturing hub.

Of the more than $400 million investment, L3Harris plans to allocate $193 million to Arkansas-based businesses. The Camden location has produced rocket motors since 1979 and now manufactures more than 115,000 units annually  from palm-sized motors to those the size of a truck. Across the U.S., L3Harris is investing more than $500 million across its major rocket motor sites, including Culpeper, Virginia; Camden, Arkansas; and Huntsville, Alabama, to scale production for motors of all sizes.