Anduril to Build Massive $1B Autonomous Weapons Factory in Ohio, Creating 4,000 Jobs

Defense technology company Anduril Industries announced plans to construct a massive manufacturing facility dubbed “Arsenal-1” near Columbus, Ohio, marking the largest job creation project in the state’s history. The California-based company will invest approximately $1 billion of its own funds to develop a 5-million-square-foot facility that will produce autonomous systems and weapons for the United States and its allies.

The facility will be strategically located next to Rickenbacker International Airport in Pickaway County, with construction set to begin immediately pending necessary approvals. Production is scheduled to commence in July 2026, initially focusing on manufacturing military drones and autonomous aerial vehicles. The project promises to create 4,000 direct jobs by 2035, with wages averaging around $60 per hour, and is expected to generate an additional 4,500 indirect and induced jobs over the next decade.

Arsenal-1 represents a significant scaling up of America’s defense industrial capabilities. The facility will be equipped to produce tens of thousands of military systems annually, including the company’s Fury and Roadrunner drones, along with Barracuda autonomous missiles. The 500-acre site provides ample room for future expansion, positioning the facility for long-term scalability.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine emphasized the state’s deep-rooted connection to aviation and aerospace, citing the legacy of the Wright brothers and the continued presence of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton. The project has received substantial state support, including a Job Creation Tax Credit and a $70 million investment from the All Ohio Future Fund to assist with site preparation.

Anduril’s decision to choose Ohio was influenced by the state’s robust manufacturing workforce, extensive network of educational institutions, and strong military ecosystem. The facility will join Anduril’s existing manufacturing network, which includes operations in Mississippi, Rhode Island, Georgia, California, and Australia.

Chris Brose, Anduril’s Chief Strategy Officer, highlighted the urgency of the project, noting that Arsenal-1 will become operational quickly to meet critical delivery timelines for customers and warfighters. The facility represents a new approach to defense manufacturing, incorporating advanced software and production technologies to accelerate the development and deployment of critical national defense products.

The announcement comes at a time when the U.S. Department of Defense is seeking to rapidly scale up its production of autonomous systems, particularly in response to their increased use in global conflicts and China’s efforts to mass-produce military drones. Anduril’s expansion aligns with the Pentagon’s Replicator Initiative, launched in 2023 to accelerate drone production capabilities.