American defense technology company Anduril Industries will build its first ultra-large manufacturing facility, called Arsenal-1, in Columbus, Ohio.
The £819,000 ($1 billion) project will directly create 4,000 jobs, and Ohio officials believe it is the largest single job creation project and economic development deal in the state’s history.
The autonomous systems designer plans to build the 5-million-square-foot Arsenal-1 facility on a 500-acre parcel of land near Rickenbacker International Airport in Pickaway County, about 26 miles southeast of Columbus.
This location is strategically located near military-sized aviation facilities.
What will Anduril produce in Arsenal-1?
Anduril is expected to mass produce autonomous flying vehicles and weapons at its state-of-the-art facility, including a vertical takeoff drone called the Roadrunner, Ghost helicopters, Barracuda cruise missiles, and its largest aircraft, the Fury.
Local permitting is in the works and the hiring process to build the facility has not yet begun, but the defense contractor hopes to have product rolling off the assembly line by July 2026.
“Arsenal-1 sets a new standard in defense manufacturing, enabling us to respond quickly to future challenges while strengthening national security,” said Anduril CEO Brian Shimp. said.
He added that the United States may not have the “capacity” to deter “today’s conflicts” and is vulnerable to future conflict risks. “To support that effort, we need to produce more weapons and faster,” Schimpf said.
Why did you choose Ohio for this huge national security project?
First, Ohio is home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and several top-notch research centers. The state’s heritage in aerospace and defense is a major factor for companies such as General Dynamics and GE that have research, development and manufacturing operations in the state.
Backed by PayPal founder Peter Thiel, California-based Anduril hopes Arsenal-1 will strengthen U.S. defense capabilities and make Ohio a major hub for a new generation of aerospace manufacturing. I am doing it.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said the development is Ohio’s largest payroll initiative, attracting the state’s skilled workforce and transforming its existing infrastructure. Moments earlier, he urged lawmakers to create an All-Ohio Future Fund for major developments in the state after the Intel microchip facility under construction lands.
According to reports, Anduril is seeking £57.48 million ($70 million) from the fund for Arsenal-1. The defense company also plans to apply for tax credits from the Ohio Department of Development.
“In these projects, whether it’s Intel or whoever, deals are made and money goes out, but jobs have to be created,” DeWine said. “So here we are talking about expanding employment to 4,000 people. That’s what has to happen.”
State officials have not yet released details of the stipend they provided Anduril in exchange for being elected to Ohio, but DeWine said he would share the numbers “in the coming days.”
