Cotton calls defense production in South Arkansas an economic opportunity, defends Pine Bluff Arsenal funding

Senator Cotton framed the increased demand for missile defense systems as an economic boon for South Arkansas and emphasized efforts to protect and grow local defense work.

When asked about strain on Lockheed Martin and other defense contractors in Camden, Cotton said the region is hiring rapidly and added that these are "some of the highest wage jobs in South Arkansas." He noted Lockheed Martin's Camden operation employs "more than 1000 people" and that the plant is the only U.S. site building PAC-3 missiles, making it strategically important.

Cotton also discussed Pine Bluff Arsenal, saying it had been at risk in earlier administrations but that he worked with Senator Bozeman and Congressman Westerman to not only save the facility but to "significantly increase the amount of work that's being done there." He said officials are seeking additional opportunities to bring more work to the arsenal to create high-paying jobs in the region.

Cotton did not provide contract details, specific hiring targets, or a timetable for additional work in the interview.