Arkansas Leads as Growth Site for Defense Industry
According to a recent conference in Rogers, Arkansas has been recognized as a top growth site for the defense industry, as emphasized by Olivia Womack, the director of business development at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. This assessment highlights the state’s rapidly expanding defense sector and its attractiveness to major industry players.
Arkansas’ growth in this area is further reinforced by significant investments and expansions from top defense companies like Aerojet Rocketdyne, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon Technologies. These developments not only create job opportunities but also solidify the state’s position as a hub for defense technology and manufacturing.
The state’s defense industry has been gaining momentum, driven by its competitive business climate, a large pool of military talent, and strategic infrastructure like the Highland Industrial Park in Camden. This positions Arkansas to continue its leadership in the defense sector, encouraging companies from both coasts to explore and establish operations in the state.
Chad Causey, executive director of the Arkansas Aerospace & Defense Alliance, expects the diversification of commercial aviation products to contribute to the growth, with many companies already operating in the supply chain for major brands like Boeing and Bombardier. The state’s unique cluster in Little Rock centered around aircraft interior finishing adds to its strengths in the sector.
