(Photo from Raytheon)
- “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,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon.
Raytheon announced Thursday that the RTX business has completed its 17,000 square-foot expansion in Forest.
The expanded manufacturing facility was part of a $50 million capital investment aimed at boosting its production capacity for critical electronic warfare and radar systems.
As previously reported, the expansion is expected to create 100 high-skill jobs by 2028.
“Completing this expansion underscores our long-term commitment to Forest and the state of Mississippi,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon, in a statement from the company. “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’s Forest, Mississippi, site now encompasses 445,000 square feet of manufacturing space, making it one of the largest defense manufacturing plants in the Magnolia State.
Governor Tate Reeves (R) said in a statement from the company that the 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,” Reeves said.
Raytheon has completed three facility expansions over the last 13 years totaling $280 million in capital investment, including a 20,000 square‑foot addition in 2013 and a 50,000 square‑foot radar production and testing facility completed in 2020.
This most recent expansion will serve as a hub for production, test and integration of Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) pods for the U.S. Navy and Australian government, as well as other airborne radar programs, further strengthening Mississippi’s role in supporting critical defense capabilities for the United States and its allies.
