Tom Cotton Highlights Defense Industry Growth and New Investments at Pine Bluff Arsenal – Deltaplex News
U.S. Senator Tom Cotton discussed potential expansion at Pine Bluff Arsenal, defense industry growth across Arkansas and the upcoming general election during a Friday morning interview with Greg on Deltaplex Radio on October 30th.
Cotton discussed his Thursday, October 29th visit to Pine Bluff Arsenal alongside U.S. Senator John Boozman and acting Secretary of the Army Adam Telle, as well as representatives of South Korean defense company Hanwha.
The visit focused on the Arsenal’s role in defense manufacturing and opportunities for continued investment at the facility.
Cotton discussed the visit and efforts to secure the Arsenal’s future.
Following the visit, Cotton said discussions are continuing about the possibility of bringing additional defense manufacturing operations to the facility.
He addressed the prospects for further development at Pine Bluff Arsenal.
Beyond Pine Bluff, Cotton discussed defense industry projects across Arkansas, including the F-35 pilot training mission at Ebbing Air National Guard Base near Fort Smith.
He said the program is currently training Polish pilots and that he visited the installation last week alongside a Polish diplomatic representative. Cotton said training is expected to expand to pilots from Greece, Finland, Germany and Singapore as early as next year.
Cotton also discussed defense manufacturing investments in southern Arkansas involving companies including Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics, which he said are creating hundreds of jobs.
When asked about the broader economic impact of defense manufacturing in South and Southeast Arkansas, Cotton discussed how the industry could affect communities beyond the jobs themselves.
The interview concluded with a discussion of the November 3rd general election, in which Cotton is seeking reelection.
Cotton encouraged voter participation and reminded listeners that early voting continues through Monday, November 2nd, ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, November 3rd.
