Hanwha Defense USA plans Arkansas munitions campus
Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA) has revealed its intention to establish the Hanwha Advanced Manufacturing Campus at the U.S. Army Pine Bluff Arsenal (PBA) in Arkansas. This munitions facility represents a significant capital investment of $2.2 billion and is projected to generate approximately 400 jobs over the next seven years.
Executives from Hanwha joined state officials and local leaders for the inauguration of their new administration headquarters at Pine Bluff Arsenal this past Monday. This administrative center marks the initial phase of HDUSA’s ambitious munitions campus initiative at PBA, a project that received a lease award 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,” stated Hanwha Defense USA CEO Michael Coulter. “By opening our new office in Pine Bluff to oversee local operations, we plan to invest around $2.2 billion into our Advanced Manufacturing Campus. This investment will transform the domestic munitions industry and reinforce America’s arsenal of freedom.”
Jordan Gillis, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment, highlighted the broader impact of the project. “The eventual lease will generate revenue for the Army, create new job opportunities for the local community, and bolster our organic industrial base. By leasing underutilized land, the Army can reinvest the consideration into critical infrastructure, enhancing the quality of life for soldiers, civilians, and their family members—delivering lasting value for both the Army and the region,” he said.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders acknowledged the significance of this development. “By selecting the Pine Bluff Arsenal as the site of their new munitions manufacturing campus, Hanwha Defense USA is providing a substantial benefit for the communities throughout the Arkansas Delta, enhancing local economies and generating hundreds of jobs,” she remarked. “It’s investments like this one that solidify aerospace and defense as Arkansas’ number one export industry. Thank you, Michael, and the entire Hanwha team for choosing the Natural State. I look forward to our continued partnership as we strengthen the Arsenal of Freedom right here at home.”
The new facility by Hanwha Defense USA will concentrate on the production of 155 mm propellant charges and base bleed units. This establishment will promote advanced domestic manufacturing capabilities across crucial stages of munitions production, thereby supporting an increase in U.S. production capacity and enhancing the nation’s munitions industrial base.
Senator Tom Cotton expressed his pride in collaborating with other officials to ensure the Pine Bluff Arsenal remains a critical national security asset. “I’ve worked with Senator Boozman and Congressman Westerman to guarantee that Pine Bluff Arsenal is primed for increased defense investment, and I am grateful that Hanwha is partnering with the Army to raise critical munitions production,” he stated. “This project will facilitate billions in funding and provide hundreds of jobs for Arkansans, all while ensuring greater safety for Americans.”
“Over the past 18 months, the Arkansas team has collaborated closely with Hanwha, facilitating site visits across the state, meeting with company executives in Korea, and engaging in discussions at the Paris and Farnborough Airshows to identify the ideal location for its new munitions campus. We are thrilled that an industry leader like Hanwha is investing $2.2 billion at the Pine Bluff Arsenal,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “This project represents a collective effort, made possible through the collaboration of numerous stakeholders both inside and outside the state. We commend all involved, especially Hanwha, the Arkansas congressional delegation, the U.S. Army, the Pine Bluff Arsenal, and the local community.”
About Hanwha Defense USA
Hanwha Defense USA, a subsidiary of Hanwha Aerospace, delivers reliable platforms with a proven process maturity, successfully extending across diverse markets and supply chains globally. The company is committed to developing local workforces essential for production and sustainability across product life cycles to meet the demands of warfighters and industrial base partners. HDUSA continues to expand its presence in the United States through organic growth, strategic industrial partnerships, and selective business acquisitions.
For more information, visit: www.hanwhadefenseusa.com
