Raytheon's Missile Systems business broke ground for an all-up-round Standard Missile production facility in Huntsville, Ala. Raytheon will construct the state-of-the-art factory on the U.S. Army's Redstone Arsenal site.

When completed, the facility will provide final assembly and testing for Raytheon's SM-3 and SM-6 missiles.

"This new factory will enable us to provide our Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Navy customers with even greater capability," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president.

"Raytheon's SM-3 is the centerpiece of the nation's new missile defense strategy in Europe, and SM-6 will give the U.S. Navy a new, much-needed weapon system."

The 70,000 square-foot production facility will be constructed in two phases; each phase will be tied to SM-3 and SM-6 production contracts.

"This new Raytheon factory means more jobs for Alabama and is a clear demonstration of Raytheon's strong partnership with the state," said Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama.

"Raytheon continues to be an important piece of Alabama's economic picture."

SM-3 is being developed as part of the MDA's sea-based Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system. The missiles are deployed on U.S. Navy cruisers and destroyers and Japanese destroyers to defend against short- to intermediate-range ballistic missile threats in the ascent and midcourse phases of flight.

SM-6 is an extended range anti-air warfare missile. Fired from navy ships, SM-6 provides capabilities against fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles.