U.S. weapons maker Northrop Grumman Corp celebrated the groundbreaking of a new facility, near Hill Air Force Base, to serve as a future headquarters for its workforce and the nationwide team supporting the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) program.

“Today we broke ground on a new facility in Roy, Utah to demonstrate our commitment to the United States Air Force on it’s Ground Based Strategic Deterrence (GBSD) competition, and the readiness of our nationwide team to deliver on this critical mission,” it said in a news release, adding that “We look forward to potentially supporting the Air Force’s future ICBM capability and the opportunity to bring up to 2,500 additional jobs to the state of Utah.”

The U.S. Air Force’s Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) is the weapon system replacement for the aging LGM-30 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system (ICBM). GBSD represents the modernization of the ground-based leg of the nuclear triad.

The Air Force is focused on developing and delivering an integrated weapon system that will meet the combatant commander’s current requirements, while having the adaptability to affordably address changing technology and emerging threats through 2075.

“Modernizing the current ICBM system is a national security priority, and we are proud to be here today to reinforce our commitment to the U.S. Air Force on GBSD and our readiness to deliver on this critical mission,” said Northrop Grumman chairman, Kathy Warden during ceremony. “For more than 60 years, Northrop Grumman has supported the Air Force’s ICBM programs, from our nation’s earliest missile systems to today’s sustainment work, much of which is performed here in Utah.”

Warden added, “We look forward to this facility serving as home to a diverse and talented workforce, dedicated to developing this next-generation capability that will advance the strategic deterrence mission for the U.S. Our world-class, nationwide team is ready to support the GBSD program through the 21st century.”

Senator Mike Lee, Senator Mitt Romney, Rep. Rob Bishop, Rep. Chris Stewart and local community leaders also attended the ceremony to break ground on the facility.

“By standing up the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent Program at Hill Air Force Base, we are making the modernization of our nuclear deterrent a high priority, which will be critical for meeting the national security challenges of the coming decade,” said Senator Romney. “We are also bringing 2,500 high-skill, high-paying jobs to Utah, which will have a lasting and positive impact on our state’s economy. I appreciate the commitment of Northrop Grumman to modernizing the United States’ nuclear triad and their continued support of Hill Air Force Base.”

“Utah has a long history of contributing to our nation’s defense. Those contributions are thanks in no small part to the partners involved in advancing the tactics and technologies of the United States military,” said Rep. Bishop. “Utah has played a key role in supporting ICBM programs dating back to the 1950s. The groundbreaking of this Northrop Grumman facility marks the start of a brand-new chapter in Utah’s support of the nuclear triad. As threatening technologies advance in nations around the world, particularly amongst our would-be adversaries, it is crucial that these programs advance here at home. There is no better place than in Utah for the hard work to be done.”

“Utah and Hill Air Force Base play a vital role in the defense of our country. This project will add thousands of jobs to Utah’s economy while developing crucial national security technology. I welcome Northrop Grumman’s addition to our great state,” said Rep. Chris Stewart.

Northrop Grumman is currently the largest security and defense company in Utah with more than 5,100 employees across the state, primarily located in Bacchus, Clearfield, Ogden, Promontory and Salt Lake. The new facility is scheduled to be completed by mid-2020.