Sen. Wicker Joins General Atomics in Unveiling Advanced Munitions Production Line

Sen. Wicker Joins General Atomics in Unveiling Advanced Munitions Production Line June 15, 2026 TUPELO – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today joined General Atomics (GA) executives and senior defense and government officials to highlight how Mississippi has played a key role in U.S. defense production and readiness. GA announced that for more than 20 years, it has invested over $1 billion in long-term infrastructure and industrial-base capacity to strengthen U.S. defense manufacturing. GA Electromagnetic Systems (EMS) uses automation and advanced machining to increase output, shorten delivery timelines and support critical defense programs. The announcement was made during an event at the company’s Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Tupelo, Mississippi. Senator Wicker was joined by Michael Duffey, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and Brandon Williams, the Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration. Through federal, state, and industry partnerships, GA-EMS has integrated digital manufacturing technologies, advanced equipment, and technical expertise to rapidly transition defense systems from development into full-rate production for U.S. and allied customers. The facility encompasses over 700,000 square feet of manufacturing space, with additional expansion planned to support future requirements. “Business expansions in Mississippi prove that the magnolia state is a great place to invest, create economic opportunity, and rebuild the American arsenal. As the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I’ve seen the importance of building our defense systems right here at home. Peace through strength is made up of American investment, partnerships, and ingenuity. The Made in Mississippi initiative will contribute to the U.S. industrial base for generations to come,” said Senator Wicker. During the event, GA-EMS highlighted how long-term investments in Mississippi are advancing weapons such as Vektrex™, the company’s 155 mm launcher-compatible projectile leveraged for its solution for the U.S. Army’s Extended Range Artillery Projectile (ERAP) program. Within the Manufacturing Center of Excellence, Mistick Village, a highly automated manufacturing complex, integrates robotics, autonomous machining, assembly and systems-integration capabilities that support Vektrex, ERAP and other precision-strike programs. These automated manufacturing systems provide the scalable, high-rate production capacity required as demand grows. “Strong industrial capability does not happen overnight,” said Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS. “We invested early in the workforce, technologies and partnerships needed to move innovation from development to production. Those investments have created a production-ready ecosystem that enables us to respond quickly to customer requirements, accelerate fielding and support sustained defense demand.” “Mississippi plays an increasingly important role in strengthening the industrial foundation that supports our military,” said Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey. “Investments like these expand high-skilled workforce opportunities, strengthen domestic supply chains and demonstrate how Mississippi continues contributing to America’s national and economic strength.” "A strong America requires a strong industrial base," said Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and NNSA Administrator Brandon Williams. “The capabilities showcased here underscore the importance of investing in our workforce, modernizing our infrastructure and enhancing our production capacity which are necessary to maintain peace through strength." ### Permalink: https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/6/sen-wicker-joins-general-atomics-in-unveiling-advanced-munitions-production-line