The Arsenal of Freedom facility and additional propellant processing facilities centralize production of the motors that power GMLRS precision rockets. L3Harris said the new site provides room for further expansion beyond the planned capacity increase.
The project falls under a $216 million cooperative agreement signed with the Department of War in 2023. The Defense Production Act Title III agreement supports manufacturing capacity for programs including GMLRS, Javelin and Stinger.
The agreement covers new facilities in Camden and Orange County, Virginia, as well as equipment and digital upgrades in Huntsville, Alabama. It combines construction with improvements to existing manufacturing operations.
Step inside our new 60,000-square-foot solid rocket motor facility. Among the most modern solid rocket motor facilities in the world, it brings together advanced automation, digital manufacturing and skilled employees to double current capacity while cutting production lead time in half.
— L3Harris (@L3HarrisTech) October 20, 2026
“Rocket propulsion is a vital national security capability,” said Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael P. Duffey. “This state-of-the-art facility enhances L3Harris’ capabilities and represents a critical leap forward in solid rocket motor production capacity, ensuring the joint forces and our allies maintain a resilient, responsive, and secure supply chain for precision munitions to support our warfighters.”
Ken Bedingfield, president of Missile Solutions at L3Harris, said the plant reflects the company’s wider approach to increasing output. That approach combines automation, digital manufacturing and skilled production workers.
“The opening of this state-of-the-art facility marks a major step forward in strengthening the solid rocket motor industrial base our nation and its allies urgently need,” Bedingfield said. “This facility showcases the power of government-industry collaboration as well as the expansion model we’re implementing nationwide, bringing together advanced automation, digital manufacturing and highly trained artisans to accelerate production with the speed, quality and reliability our warfighters demand.”
L3Harris is also developing its Arkansas Advanced Propulsion Facilities campus and two Camden facilities supporting PAC-3 propulsion production. The company said its investments would modernize the site and create manufacturing jobs in South Arkansas.
Across Arkansas, California, Virginia and Alabama, L3Harris is investing billions of dollars in approximately 60 new facilities, equipment and manufacturing processes. It expects the investments to double, triple or quadruple propulsion production rates across a range of key programs.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said motor production at the newly opened plant would begin soon. L3Harris did not disclose annual output targets or a schedule for reaching the planned capacity.
