Raytheon has completed a $50 million expansion of its manufacturing facility in Forest, Mississippi, increasing production capacity for electronic warfare and radar systems including the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band programme, according to the company.
The 17,000-square-foot expansion is also expected to create 100 skilled jobs by 2028 and takes the total manufacturing space at the site to 445,000 square feet.
Raytheon announced completion of the project on 27 August, saying the new area will serve as a production, test and integration hub for Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band pods for the U.S. Navy and Australian government, alongside work on other airborne radar programmes. The company said the latest project forms part of a longer series of investments at Forest, where it has spent a combined $280 million on three expansions over the past decade.
Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon, said: “Completing this expansion underscores our long-term commitment to Forest and the state of Mississippi. Together with state and local partners, we’re building the workforce, infrastructure and capabilities needed to boost production in support of critical national defense programs.” Raytheon said the Forest plant is now one of the largest defence manufacturing facilities in Mississippi, following previous additions including a 20,000-square-foot expansion in 2013 and a 50,000-square-foot radar production and testing facility completed in 2020.
The latest expansion will concentrate partly on the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band, an airborne electronic warfare system developed for the U.S. Navy’s EA-18G Growler. Raytheon is responsible for the mid-band element of the wider jammer programme, with the pods intended to provide airborne electronic attack against radar and communications systems. Australia, which also operates the EA-18G, is included among the customers supported by production at the Mississippi site. Raytheon said the expanded facility will also support other airborne radar programmes, although it did not identify them individually in the announcement.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said: “Raytheon’s expansion is not only a great economic development win for Mississippi but also an important investment in America’s national security. I’m incredibly proud of the role Mississippi plays in defending our nation and supporting the men and women who protect our freedoms. This project will build on our state’s proud legacy while bringing 100 high-skill jobs to Forest. It’s another big win for Scott County and Mississippi.”
U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said: “Rebuilding the American Arsenal creates more opportunities and more jobs right here at home. Today, our partners at Raytheon are expanding their manufacturing capacity and bringing 100 new jobs to Forest, Mississippi. These are critical jobs modernizing our military and supporting our troops – work Mississippi families can be proud of.”
