Anduril to build Arsenal-1 hyperscale manufacturing facility in Ohio

Anduril, a rapidly growing autonomous systems and weapons manufacturer and adopter of AM technologies has selected Columbus, Ohio, as the location of Arsenal-1, its first hyper-scale manufacturing facility. Arsenal-1 will redefine the scale and speed at which autonomous systems and weapons can be produced for the United States, its allies, and partners. This operation marks a monumental and essential step toward rebuilding America’s defense industrial base, strengthening America’s warfighting capabilities, and enhancing deterrence amid rising international threats.

Ohio is the ideal location for Anduril’s first Arsenal factory. Its robust infrastructure supports Anduril’s unique needs, a highly skilled and diverse manufacturing workforce, and a legacy of leadership in aerospace and defense. Anduril is investing nearly $1 billion dollars into the development of Arsenal-1, which will bring more than 4,000 direct jobs in the most significant single job-creation project in the state’s history.

“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. “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’s infrastructure and talent pool make it the ideal home for this historic effort to rebuild the arsenal of democracy.”

“Ohio’s history of advancing aviation, aerospace, and national defense runs deep, but what sets this state apart is our readiness to embrace the future,” said Governor DeWine. “At this critical moment, our country needs rapid technological innovation, which Anduril will deliver using Ohio’s skilled, hardworking labor force. The future of American air power will be made in Ohio!”

“Today is a proud day for Ohio as we welcome Anduril and celebrate the creation of thousands of new jobs in cutting-edge defense manufacturing,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “This investment reinforces Ohio’s position as a leader in advanced technology and national security. When it comes to ‘Made in America,’ you can’t do it without ‘Made in Ohio.”

Arsenal-1: a new standard for defense manufacturing

As the United States and its allies attempt to gain affordable mass with autonomous systems and weapons, the defense industrial base must be capable of producing orders of magnitude more than it currently produces. To support that effort, Anduril is hyperscaling weapons manufacturing with Arsenal — a software-defined manufacturing platform optimized for the mass production of autonomous systems and weapons.

Arsenal-1 will be the first of its kind: a manufacturing facility that utilizes a common set of commercial manufacturing tooling, machinery, and processes for every type of autonomous vehicle that Anduril produces. Arsenal-1 provides maximum flexibility to reallocate the most critical manufacturing resources — people, capital, machines, and materials — to meet new requirements, launch new products, or scale production to meet surges in demand indefinitely. The foundation of Arsenal-1 is Arsenal OS, an integrated digital software platform that integrates the design, development, and mass production stages for all Anduril products.

Anduril & Ohio collaborating on US national security

Located next to Rickenbacker Airport, the site provides direct access to two 12,000-foot runways and a 75-acre private apron capable of supporting military-scale aircraft, ensuring customers’ rapid delivery of components and systems. The facility will span 5 million square feet at full scale and produce tens of thousands of military systems annually. With more than 500 acres available for future expansion, Arsenal-1 is primed for long-term scalability and will manufacture and produce most of Anduril’s autonomous weapons, sensors and systems at full rate production.

Ohio’s robust workforce, including the country’s third-largest skilled manufacturing labor pool, further solidifies the state’s appeal. Arsenal-1 is expected to create 4,000 direct high-quality jobs and drive economic growth in Pickaway County and surrounding areas, establishing Ohio as a hub for defense manufacturing. An additional 8,500 jobs from suppliers, construction, and other sectors are expected to support the growth and sustainment of Arsenal-1.

Ohio has a deep-rooted aerospace and defense innovation legacy and a community aligned with Anduril’s mission to strengthen national security. Home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, a critical U.S. Air Force operations and research hub, the state has long been at the forefront of advancing military capabilities. The Air Force Research Laboratory, also located in Ohio, drives technological breakthroughs in defense. At the same time, NASA’s Glenn Research Center and the Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility play pivotal roles in aeronautics and space exploration. Additionally, the National Air and Space Intelligence Center and the National Space Intelligence Center further establish Ohio as a center of excellence for the air and space domains and defense intelligence.

The decision to build Arsenal-1 in Ohio follows an extensive, year-long search process that evaluated numerous locations across the United States and is contingent upon standard due diligence, state and local approvals of incentives, permitting and other legal and regulatory matters. Pending approvals, construction on the facility will begin immediately, and the first products will be manufactured in July 2026.

Anduril’s commitment to agile, responsive manufacturing has already been demonstrated globally. Arsenal-1 in Ohio will join Anduril’s other factories including the solid rocket motor factory in Mississippi, the robotic submarine facility in Rhode Island, the launched effects factory in Georgia, the XL-AUV factory in Australia and production facilities in California.