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Raytheon Expands Portsmouth Facility, Adding 150 Jobs and $100 Million in Defense-Related Investment
In a move that could reshape the region’s defense industry, Raytheon Technologies Corp. announced a $100 million expansion of its Portsmouth, Rhode Island, site that will create 150 new jobs and add a new radar test range while recommissioning an existing manufacturing building. The project, which began with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by state and federal officials, is intended to support the production of missile‑defense systems, including the Patriot missile, and to strengthen the region’s technical workforce.
The new radar test range will allow Raytheon to conduct advanced testing of surface‑to‑air missile guidance and detection systems. The company’s Portsmouth plant has long been a key production hub for the Patriot missile, a mobile interceptor that the U.S. Army uses to defend against aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic threats. By expanding the test range and reopening a manufacturing building, Raytheon will increase its capacity to produce and refine radar and missile components that are critical to national defense.
State officials said the investment will have a significant economic impact on the local community. Gov. Dan McKee welcomed the expansion, saying, “Let’s build things that matter. Let’s build things and put people to work at good paying jobs.” The 150 new positions will include engineers, technicians and support staff, many of whom will receive training on advanced radar and missile‑defense technologies.
Federal and state support is also evident in the funding mix. According to Sen. Jack Reed, the investment is partially financed by Raytheon, with additional state money that is “derivative of a lot of federal money.” The partnership reflects a broader effort to keep advanced defense manufacturing in the United States and to maintain a skilled workforce in the Ocean State.
The expansion is framed as a strategic move to enhance missile‑defense capabilities that protect U.S. troops worldwide. Rep. Seth Magaziner emphasized the life‑saving potential of the new facilities, stating, “This is about saving lives. Saving lives by giving the United States military and our allies the ability to detect and intercept incoming missiles.” He added that the capabilities will also serve as a deterrent, preventing the spread of conflict. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse echoed that sentiment, noting that the new radar and missile‑defense systems will “act as a deterrent to prevent war from spreading to begin with.” He also highlighted the importance of deploying these technologies in Ukraine, describing the country as “right now our frontier of freedom” and pledging to ensure the systems “hit the ground” there.
Raytheon’s presence in Portsmouth is part of the company’s broader portfolio of advanced defense products. The company, which became RTX Corp. in 2023, manufactures aircraft engines, avionics, satellites and a range of guided‑missile systems. The Patriot missile, for example, has been used by U.S. and allied forces in conflicts from the Gulf War to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The expansion also aligns with national defense priorities that emphasize the development of resilient, domestic missile‑defense production. By investing in local manufacturing and testing, Raytheon and the state of Rhode Island aim to maintain a competitive edge in a sector that is increasingly critical to U.S. security.
At the time of the announcement, Raytheon officials said the new facilities would be operational in the next 12 to 18 months. The company plans to continue hiring and training workers as the project progresses. State and federal agencies will monitor the project’s compliance with environmental and safety regulations, and the expansion is expected to contribute to the region’s economic growth and technological advancement.
In summary, Raytheon’s $100 million expansion in Portsmouth will add 150 jobs, introduce a new radar test range, and recommission a manufacturing building. The project is supported by a mix of company, state and federal funds and is positioned to strengthen the U.S. missile‑defense capability, support local employment, and provide critical technology for U.S. forces and allies, including those in Ukraine.
The new radar test range will allow Raytheon to conduct advanced testing of surface‑to‑air missile guidance and detection systems. The company’s Portsmouth plant has long been a key production hub for the Patriot missile, a mobile interceptor that the U.S. Army uses to defend against aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic threats. By expanding the test range and reopening a manufacturing building, Raytheon will increase its capacity to produce and refine radar and missile components that are critical to national defense.
State officials said the investment will have a significant economic impact on the local community. Gov. Dan McKee welcomed the expansion, saying, “Let’s build things that matter. Let’s build things and put people to work at good paying jobs.” The 150 new positions will include engineers, technicians and support staff, many of whom will receive training on advanced radar and missile‑defense technologies.
Federal and state support is also evident in the funding mix. According to Sen. Jack Reed, the investment is partially financed by Raytheon, with additional state money that is “derivative of a lot of federal money.” The partnership reflects a broader effort to keep advanced defense manufacturing in the United States and to maintain a skilled workforce in the Ocean State.
The expansion is framed as a strategic move to enhance missile‑defense capabilities that protect U.S. troops worldwide. Rep. Seth Magaziner emphasized the life‑saving potential of the new facilities, stating, “This is about saving lives. Saving lives by giving the United States military and our allies the ability to detect and intercept incoming missiles.” He added that the capabilities will also serve as a deterrent, preventing the spread of conflict. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse echoed that sentiment, noting that the new radar and missile‑defense systems will “act as a deterrent to prevent war from spreading to begin with.” He also highlighted the importance of deploying these technologies in Ukraine, describing the country as “right now our frontier of freedom” and pledging to ensure the systems “hit the ground” there.
Raytheon’s presence in Portsmouth is part of the company’s broader portfolio of advanced defense products. The company, which became RTX Corp. in 2023, manufactures aircraft engines, avionics, satellites and a range of guided‑missile systems. The Patriot missile, for example, has been used by U.S. and allied forces in conflicts from the Gulf War to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The expansion also aligns with national defense priorities that emphasize the development of resilient, domestic missile‑defense production. By investing in local manufacturing and testing, Raytheon and the state of Rhode Island aim to maintain a competitive edge in a sector that is increasingly critical to U.S. security.
At the time of the announcement, Raytheon officials said the new facilities would be operational in the next 12 to 18 months. The company plans to continue hiring and training workers as the project progresses. State and federal agencies will monitor the project’s compliance with environmental and safety regulations, and the expansion is expected to contribute to the region’s economic growth and technological advancement.
In summary, Raytheon’s $100 million expansion in Portsmouth will add 150 jobs, introduce a new radar test range, and recommission a manufacturing building. The project is supported by a mix of company, state and federal funds and is positioned to strengthen the U.S. missile‑defense capability, support local employment, and provide critical technology for U.S. forces and allies, including those in Ukraine.
