Lockheed Martin has announced plans to invest over $150 million in expanding its missile production operations in Alabama during the next five years, driven by rising demand for advanced munitions.
The defense contractor has entered into an incentive agreement with the state to support expansion at its Pike County Facility, where the investment is expected to create additional full-time jobs while strengthening the regional defense manufacturing ecosystem.
Spanning approximately 3,800 acres, the site produces components and supports hardware for several key US weapons programs, including the **Terminal High Altitude Area Defense interceptor system, FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile, AGM-114 Hellfire, AGM-158 JASSM cruise missile, and the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile.
The facility employs more than 800 workers and has added over 300 full-time roles since 2019. Established in 1994, it has evolved into a key missile production hub for the southeastern United States.
Training and workforce development programs play a major role in the expansion. Alabama Industrial Development Training has collaborated with the site for over 30 years, operating a $2-million Advanced Training Center that delivers practical technical training for employees. Additionally, Lockheed Martin introduced a program in 2019 aimed at preparing local high school students for future STEM careers within the defense industry.
Growing Defense Manufacturing Investments
Across the United States, similar investments are expanding defense production capacity. In Maryland, Northrop Grumman has enhanced missile propulsion development at its facilities in Elkton. In January 2026, the United States Navy awarded the firm a $94.3-million contract to manufacture second-stage solid rocket motors at its Propulsion Innovation Center for extended-range missile programs.
The company has also strengthened hypersonic missile development in the region by establishing a Hypersonic Capability Center, focused on producing ramjet and scramjet engines.
In another expansion effort, Northrop Grumman opened a Missile Integration Facility in September 2025. The site combines manufacturing, testing, and logistics operations and is designed to produce up to 300 advanced strike missiles per year using digital manufacturing techniques.
