General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems has named Mike Rucker as vice president of the weapons programs division. In his new role, Rucker will be in charge of the division’s day-to-day operations and the Missile Defense and Advanced Weapons System portfolio, the company said Wednesday.
“I’m proud to help guide GA‑EMS’ weapons programs at a time when transitioning advanced technologies into production is more important than ever,” stated the executive. “Our team is driving real capability into the hands of warfighters, and I’m eager to build on that momentum as we deliver systems that expand range, precision, and survivability.”
Who Is Mike Rucker?
Rucker joined General Atomics in 2003 and has held positions of increasing responsibility within the company. Before his recent appointment, he served as head of weapons programs at GA-EMS, according to his LinkedIn profile.
“Mike’s leadership and industry expertise are central to GA‑EMS’ mission of delivering decisive capability to the warfighter,” said Scott Forney, president of the General Atomics business unit. “He understands the urgency of today’s threat environment and is driven to turn advanced technologies into field-ready weapons systems to meet the nation’s most urgent defense needs.”
How Is General Atomics Expanding Its Defense Production?
Rucker’s appointment comes as GA-EMS expands its defense manufacturing operations in Shannon, Mississippi, with an investment of more than $25 million to support next-generation weapons production, Yahoo Finance reported.
The project will equip the facility with fully automated computer numerical control machines to support systems such as Bullseye, a long-range precision-guided strike missile.
GA-EMS has also invested $200 million across its facilities to support the development of the Long-Range Maneuvering Projectile, or LRMP, designed to operate in jamming environments at ranges of 120 kilometers or more.
Additional investments include $35 million for a machining center equipped with robotics and larger assembly, integration and testing facilities to support growing LRMP production.
