Hanwha Defense USA locates new $2.2B munitions manufacturing campus in Arkansas
PINE BLUFF, Ark., Sept. 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA) has announced plans to locate its new Hanwha Advanced Manufacturing Campus at the U.S. Army Pine Bluff Arsenal (PBA) in Arkansas. The munitions facility represents a capital investment of $2.2 billion and is expected to create close to 400 jobs over seven years.
Hanwha executives joined state officials and local leaders to celebrate the opening of its new administration headquarters at the Pine Bluff Arsenal on Monday. The admin headquarters is the first step in HDUSA’s munitions campus vision at PBA. HDUSA was awarded a lease solicitation for a munitions campus at PBA in January 2026.
“Hanwha remains committed to supporting the American defense industrial base by bringing our manufacturing strength to the U.S. and creating up to 400 jobs in Arkansas,” said Hanwha Defense USA CEO Michael Coulter. “By opening our new office in Pine Bluff that will oversee local operations, Hanwha plans to invest around $2.2 billion in our new Advanced Manufacturing Campus that will transform domestic munitions industrial base and further strengthen America’s arsenal of freedom.”
“The eventual lease will create revenue for the Army, bring in new jobs for the local community, and enhance our organic industrial base,” said Jordan Gillis, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment. “By leasing underutilized land, the Army can reinvest the consideration into critical infrastructure to support quality of life of Soldiers, civilians, and their family members — delivering lasting value for both the Army and the region.”
“By choosing the Pine Bluff Arsenal as the home of their new munitions manufacturing campus, Hanwha Defense USA is delivering a huge win for communities throughout the Arkansas Delta, bolstering local economies and creating hundreds of jobs,” said Governor Sanders. “It’s because of billion-dollar investments like this one that aerospace and defense is Arkansas’ number one export industry. Thank you, Michael, and the entire team at Hanwha for choosing the Natural State. I look forward to our ongoing partnership as we fuel the Arsenal of Freedom here at home.”
Hanwha Defense USA’s new facility will focus on the production of 155mm propellant charges and base bleed units. The facility will establish advanced domestic manufacturing capabilities spanning key stages of munitions production, supporting increased U.S. production capacity and modernizing the nation’s munitions industrial base.
“I’ve been proud to work with Senator Boozman and Congressman Westerman to ensure Pine Bluff Arsenal remains a key national security asset that is ripe for greater defense investment, and I’m grateful Hanwha is partnering with the Army to expand critical munitions production,” said U.S. Senator Tom Cotton. “This project will bring in billions in investment and hundreds of jobs for Arkansans, all while making Americans safer.”
“Over the past 18 months, the Arkansas team has worked closely with Hanwha – hosting site visits across Arkansas, meeting with company executives in Korea, and holding discussions at the Paris and Farnborough Airshows – to deliver an ideal location for its new munitions campus. Hanwha is setting down roots in the Natural State, and we could not be prouder that this industry leader is committing $2.2 billion at the Pine Bluff Arsenal,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Collaboration was essential for this project – it would not have been possible without many stakeholders in and outside the state working together for a common goal. We congratulate all of these stakeholders, especially Hanwha, the Arkansas congressional delegation, the U.S. Army, the Pine Bluff Arsenal, and the local community.”
Download event photos here
About Hanwha Defense USA
A subsidiary of Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Defense USA delivers proven platforms with a demonstrated process maturity successfully projected across numerous markets and supply chains across the globe, with a track record of developing local workforces required to produce and sustain across product life cycles to meet the needs of warfighters and industrial base partners. HDUSA continues to expand its U.S. footprint through organic growth, strategic industrial partnerships, and selective business acquisition. For more information on Hanwha Defense USA, please visit www.hanwhadefenseusa.com.
About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission
At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn’t happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success. AEDC is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. To learn more, visit ArkansasEDC.com.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c8bad0c0-3b05-4192-a5c4-e13a66177f30
CONTACT: Media Contact Tyler Hale 501-410-7883 Tyler.hale@arkansasedc.com
