FOREST, MS, Sep 1, 2026 – Raytheon has completed a $50 million expansion of its Forest, Miss., manufacturing plant. The 17,000-square-foot addition will handle production, test and integration of “Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band” (NGJ-MB) pods for the U.S. Navy and the Australian government, along with airborne radar programs. Raytheon expects the expansion to create 100 jobs at the site by 2028.
“Completing this expansion underscores our long-term commitment to Forest and the state of Mississippi,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. “Together with state and local partners, we’re building the workforce, infrastructure and capabilities needed to boost production in support of critical national defense programs.”
The Forest site covers 445,000 square feet of manufacturing space. The project is the latest of three expansions at the site over the past decade, part of $280 million in capital investment that also included a 20,000-square-foot addition in 2013 and a 50,000-square-foot radar production and testing facility completed in 2020. Raytheon has operated in Forest for 40 years.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said: “Raytheon’s expansion is not only a great economic development win for Mississippi but also an important investment in America’s national security. I’m incredibly proud of the role Mississippi plays in defending our nation and supporting the men and women who protect our freedoms. This project will build on our state’s proud legacy while bringing 100 high-skill jobs to Forest. It’s another big win for Scott County and Mississippi.”
U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee added: “Rebuilding the American Arsenal creates more opportunities and more jobs right here at home. Today, our partners at Raytheon are expanding their manufacturing capacity and bringing 100 new jobs to Forest, Mississippi. These are critical jobs modernizing our military and supporting our troops – work Mississippi families can be proud of.”
Source: Raytheon
About Raytheon
Raytheon, a business segment of RTX Corp., is a U.S.-based defense and aerospace company headquartered in Arlington, VA. With origins dating to 1922 and its current structure formed through a 2020 merger, Raytheon develops technologies in missile systems, radar, space-based sensors and cybersecurity. The company supports government and commercial clients across the defense, intelligence, aerospace and space sectors. Raytheon operates alongside other RTX business units, including Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney. Its capabilities include guided weapons, air defense systems, satellite payloads and secure communications.
