Lockheed Martin contract to boost missile production in Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — All eyes are on the skies in Alabama.

That’s because Lockheed Martin was just awarded over $9 billion to build missiles in the state. Leaders said Alabama is playing a large part when it comes to national defense.

The company is ramping up missile production at their Troy facility. That’s for the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), and the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM). Bobby Jon Drinkard, assistant director at AIDT, the state’s workforce training agency, said this is big news.

“For the Department of Defense and Homeland Security to see that, not only that the Pike County operations can sustain that product flow, but more-so, that the workforce can deliver — to say that we’re happy would be an understatement,” said Drinkard.

Rep. Marcus Paramore (R-Troy) said these contracts are critical for the state. “Pike County and the surrounding area are playing a major role in defending our country and defending our rights, and our freedoms,” he said. “So, it’s just great news.”

And Rep. Rick Rehm (R-Dothan) said that major role will attract more businesses to Alabama. “Alabama is a great, patriotic state,” he said. “From all the way up in Huntsville, down here to the Wiregrass. We’re always ready to do what we can. So, I think that’s a great thing. It says a lot about the people of Alabama.”

Drinkard said there are about 700 employees onsite at the Troy facility. Right now, they are actively recruiting for Missile Assemblers.

“Not only is that company thriving and growing, but that also means that the citizens in the counties that that company is located in, and the surrounding areas, it’s going to have more job opportunities and career pathways to grow upon.”

In a statement, Dave Berganini, vice president of Hypersonic and Strike Systems for the Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said “Increasing JASSM and LRASM production is essential for American and allied national security, and Lockheed Martin is ready to answer the call.”

“Increasing JASSM and LRASM production is essential for American and allied national security, and Lockheed Martin is ready to answer the call,” said Dave Berganini, vice president, Hypersonic and Strike Systems, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.