By Troy Turner
Lockheed Martin recently announced a significant increase of production that includes changes at its Alabama facilities in response to U.S. military and global demands for defense industries to fill a widespread need for more weapons and ammunition.
Lockheed Martin’s Javelin missile team in Troy, Alabama, for example, has implemented new processes on the production line at the Pike County Operations facility that have cut missile production time by 30 minutes, the company announced.
Lockheed Martin also maintains operations in Huntsville, Courtland and Anniston, including a wide array of research in missile and space development that includes work with new engineering and technology.
“Alabama is home to some of the most mission-critical programs and teams in the country. From hypersonics to supporting America’s missile defense, the career opportunities available here are unparalleled,” Lockheed Martin says in its recruiting materials.
Lockheed Martin in Alabama
Lockheed Martin’s facility in Troy is a manufacturing, final assembly, test and storage operation for the company’s missile programs, sitting on 4,000 acres of land with 52 buildings.
It employs nearly 600 workers who support final assembly of missiles that include the Javelin, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile, the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile and air-to-ground missiles. Since it was first established, nearly 190,000 missiles have been produced at the site.
Lockheed Martin’s facility in Courtland is on the forefront of development with hypersonic technologies, including the Hypersonic Strike Weapon. In Huntsville, the company leads development of the Next Generation Interceptor, which is a missile defense system being designed to serve as a first line of defense against missile attacks.
Even the company’s smaller operation in Anniston plays a significant role, listed as a developer of search and navigation equipment and garnering an annual revenue of $10-20 million.
Most recently, the Lockheed Martin-produced F-35 stealth fighter jet began being deployed with the Alabama Air National Guard, based in Montgomery. That program will bring a wide variety of support services with it, providing a major economic impact for Alabama’s River Region.
Responding to the call
The call for increased production rates remains influenced by a variety of world events, including wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, along with rising threats from China, North Korea and others.
“The demand for 21st Century Security solutions is at an all-time high, as the U.S. military and its allies turn to proven capabilities to deter and defend against evolving threats worldwide,” the company said. “In response to this growing need, Lockheed Martin is prioritizing speed, agility and adaptability in its production processes, using digital transformation to ensure customers’ stay ahead of ready.”
Lockheed Martin remains committed to ramping production of high-demand systems, like HIMARS, Javelin, GMLRS, PAC-3 and more, said Lockheed Martin Chief Operating Officer Frank St. John. “In 2024, we are on track to double HIMARS production, have increased Javelin’s production to 2,400 units per year, and will deliver more than 10,000 GMLRS.”
The Troy facility and its work with Javelins made headlines early during Ukraine’s defense against a Russian invasion.
In May 2022, President Joe Biden visited Lockheed Martin’s Troy facility to thank the workforce for its efforts and tour the Javelin production line.
Earlier in 2024, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited the Troy facility to share firsthand the role Lockheed Martin is playing in security and missions worldwide.
“For decades, you have helped American and NATO forces maintain their technological edge,” he said in an address to employees. “What you produce keeps people safe, and what Allies buy, helps keep American business strong.”
Troy Turner is the editor and senior consultant for AlaDefense.com. He can be contacted at [email protected].
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