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

Anduril Industries has announced plans to establish Arsenal-1, a groundbreaking hyperscale manufacturing facility in Columbus, Ohio, representing a nearly $1 billion investment in American defense manufacturing capabilities. The facility will focus on mass-producing autonomous systems and advanced defense technologies, creating over 4,000 direct jobs in what officials are calling the largest single job-creation project in Ohio’s history.

Strategic Location and Infrastructure

The new facility, strategically positioned adjacent to Rickenbacker Airport, will leverage two 12,000-foot runways and a 75-acre private apron capable of supporting military-scale aircraft operations. This infrastructure will enable rapid deployment and delivery of autonomous systems to customers. At full capacity, the 5-million-square-foot facility will be capable of producing tens of thousands of military systems annually.

Software-Driven Manufacturing Innovation

Arsenal-1 introduces a novel approach to defense manufacturing through its Arsenal OS platform, which integrates design, development, and mass production processes. The facility will utilize a common set of commercial manufacturing tools and processes across all autonomous vehicle types, enabling unprecedented flexibility in resource allocation and production scaling.

“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,” said Anduril CEO Brian Schimpf. The facility’s software-defined manufacturing platform is designed to optimize mass production of autonomous systems while maintaining adaptability to changing requirements.

Workforce and Economic Impact

The facility is expected to generate significant economic growth in the region:

• 4,000 direct high-quality manufacturing jobs
• 8,500 additional indirect jobs in supporting industries
• Access to Ohio’s skilled manufacturing workforce, the third-largest in the country
• Long-term expansion potential with over 500 acres available for future development

Industry Context and Market Implications

This development represents a significant shift in autonomous systems manufacturing capabilities within the U.S. defense industrial base. The facility’s emphasis on scalable, software-driven production aligns with increasing demand for autonomous systems in military applications and the need for rapid production capabilities.

Timeline and Operations

Construction is scheduled to begin immediately, pending standard approvals, with initial production targeted for July 2026. Arsenal-1 will join Anduril’s existing manufacturing network, which includes specialized facilities across the Estados Unidos y Australia focusing on various autonomous systems and components.

Regulatory and Security Considerations

The facility’s development is contingent upon state and local approvals of incentives, permitting, and other regulatory requirements. Its location near critical defense and aerospace facilities, including Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Air Force Research Laboratory, positions it within an established defense innovation ecosystem.

The announcement of Arsenal-1 marks a significant milestone in the evolution of autonomous systems manufacturing, potentially setting new standards for defense industry production capabilities and scalability.