- Anduril Industries is investing $1 billion to build “Arsenal-1,” a state-of-the-art weapons production facility in central Ohio, which will create 4,000 direct jobs and is expected to be the largest job-creation initiative in Ohio’s history.
- The 5 million square foot facility will specialize in producing autonomous systems and advanced weapons for the U.S. military and its allies, aiming to modernize America’s defense industrial base and enhance national security.
- Anduril chose Ohio for its robust infrastructure, skilled workforce and historical significance in aerospace and defense, with the facility located near Rickenbacker Airport, providing essential logistical support.
- Arsenal-1 will use Anduril’s proprietary “Arsenal” platform, a software-defined system designed for flexible and scalable production of military systems, capable of rapid scaling to meet surging defense demands.
- The project is projected to create an additional 8,500 jobs in supporting industries and aligns with efforts to revitalize U.S. manufacturing, reduce reliance on foreign supply chains and maintain a strategic edge in global defense.
In a significant boost to U.S. defense manufacturing, California-based Anduril Industries announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art “hyperscale” weapons production facility in central Ohio. The $1 billion project, dubbed “Arsenal-1,” is set to become the largest single job-creation initiative in Ohio’s history, with 4,000 direct jobs expected upon completion. The facility, spanning 5 million square feet, will focus on producing autonomous systems and advanced weapons for the U.S. military and its allies, marking a pivotal step in modernizing America’s defense industrial base.
The announcement comes at a critical juncture as the U.S. seeks to counter rising global threats and strengthen its military capabilities. Anduril CEO Brian Schimpf emphasized the facility’s importance, stating, “Arsenal-1 represents a step forward in how we manufacture the autonomous systems and weapons that our nation and our allies need to remain secure. By harnessing a world-class workforce and a scalable, software-driven approach to manufacturing, Arsenal-1 will set the standard for how we respond to the challenges of the future fight.”
Ohio: A strategic choice for defense innovation
Anduril’s decision to build Arsenal-1 in Ohio follows a year-long search that evaluated multiple locations across the country. The company cited Ohio’s robust infrastructure, skilled manufacturing workforce and legacy in aerospace and defense as key factors in its selection. The facility will be located near Rickenbacker Airport, providing direct access to two 12,000-foot runways and a 75-acre private apron capable of supporting military-scale aircraft.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine hailed the project as a continuation of the state’s storied history in aviation and defense, which dates back to the Wright brothers. “At this critical moment in time, our country needs rapid technological innovation, which Anduril will deliver using Ohio’s skilled, hardworking labor force,” DeWine said. “The future of American air power will be made in Ohio!”
The state’s aerospace sector is already home to major players like GE Aerospace and Joby Aviation, which is preparing to manufacture electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft near Dayton. Ohio’s strategic investments in workforce development and infrastructure have positioned it as a hub for advanced manufacturing, making it an ideal location for Anduril’s ambitious project.
Arsenal-1: A new era in defense manufacturing
At the heart of Arsenal-1 is Anduril’s proprietary “Arsenal” platform, a software-defined manufacturing system designed to mass-produce autonomous systems and weapons. The facility will utilize a common set of commercial manufacturing tools and processes, allowing for maximum flexibility in reallocating resources to meet evolving defense needs. This approach enables rapid scaling of production to address surges in demand, ensuring the U.S. military and its allies can maintain a strategic edge.
Christian Brose, Anduril’s chief strategy officer, highlighted the facility’s potential to transform defense manufacturing. “Arsenal-1 will redefine the scale and speed at which autonomous systems and weapons can be produced,” Brose said. “This is a monumental and essential step toward rebuilding America’s defense industrial base and enhancing deterrence amid rising international threats.”
The facility is expected to produce tens of thousands of military systems annually, with the capacity for future expansion on its 500-acre site. In addition to the 4,000 direct jobs, the project is projected to create an additional 8,500 jobs in supporting industries, further bolstering Ohio’s economy.
A legacy of innovation meets modern defense needs
Ohio’s role in advancing aerospace and defense technology is deeply rooted in its history. The state is home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA’s Glenn Research Center, all of which have driven technological breakthroughs in military and space exploration. Anduril’s investment reinforces Ohio’s position as a leader in national security innovation.
The project also aligns with broader efforts to revitalize U.S. manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. As global tensions rise, the ability to rapidly produce advanced weapons systems domestically is increasingly critical. Arsenal-1 represents a significant step toward achieving that goal, ensuring the U.S. remains prepared to meet the challenges of an uncertain future.
Pending state and local approvals, construction on Arsenal-1 is set to begin immediately, with manufacturing operations slated to commence in July 2026. The facility will join Anduril’s existing production sites in Mississippi, Rhode Island, Georgia, Australia and California, further solidifying the company’s role as a leader in defense technology.
As Ohio prepares to welcome Anduril, the state’s leaders are optimistic about the economic and strategic benefits of the project. “This investment reinforces Ohio’s position as a leader in advanced technology and national security,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “When it comes to ‘Made in America,’ you can’t do it without ‘Made in Ohio.’”
With Arsenal-1, Ohio is poised to play a central role in shaping the future of U.S. defense manufacturing, ensuring the nation remains at the forefront of military innovation for decades to come.
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