On the anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, Arkansas and Israeli officials joined together to celebrate the first shipment of Tamir missiles produced in the R2s facility in Camden.
Originally announced in October 2023 following Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ meeting with company executives at the Paris Air Show, the project has grown from an initial $33 million investment and planned 30 jobs to $63 million and 60 jobs.
R2S broke ground on the facility in February 2024 during a ceremony attended by Sanders and other local leaders.
Shlomo Toaff, director at Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, highlighted the importance of the Iron Dome defense system stating, “We remember that today is October 7th, marking three years from the large terroristic attack launched against Israel. We remember the babies that were slaughtered, we remember families that were massacred.
“We are here to say this won’t happen again. It is symbolic and exciting to see the first Iron Dome missile built outside of Israel.”
Toaff said the production in Camden “is representative of the deep friendship and partnership between our two nations.”
“Missiles built here will protect Israelis and U.S. servicemen. For us, this is a way to say thank you for the continued support by the United States to Israel. What is being done here in Camden is the production of the Iron Dome,” Toaff said.
Toaff touted the effectiveness of the Iron Dome and its 15 years of protecting Israel.
“Iron Dome is … has more successful operations than any other air defense system in the world. Tamir missiles produced and assembled in Camden is more than moving a production line. We’re bringing 15 years of engineering, testing and operational experience from Rafael, and are putting it in the hands of American workers who can build it at scale,” he said.
Sanders congratulated the workers of R2S and the pivotal role they play in defense.
“I was here to announce the project, to break ground on it, and help cut the ribbon. But today has to be the best visit yet. That’s because we can now officially say that the missiles that power Israel’s Iron Dome and one day Sky Hunter are made right here in Arkansas,” she said. “It’s not lost on anyone here today that we’re celebrating this milestone on October 7th, the three-year anniversary of one of the most brutal terrorist attacks on Israel since the modern country’s formation. Even after witnessing that horrible event, there are still those who choose to the side of Hamas and the terrorists.”
U.S. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., highlighted the economic impact, which has produced around 60 new jobs.
“As the first all-up round manufacturing facility for both Sky Hunter and Tamir missiles in Arkansas, the R2S facility has brought more than $60 million of investment to our state and will continue to create dozens of new high-paying jobs. This joint venture between some of America and Israel’s best advances the national security and economic prosperity of both of our nations,” he said.