The US defense industry company Anduril Industries has announced plans to build a large advanced manufacturing facility in central Ohio. The facility, which will be built in Pickaway County southeast of Columbus, will cover approximately 500 acres. The 5 million square feet facility aims to make a significant contribution to the region’s growing high-tech sector. The project will create 4.000 new jobs for Ohio, state officials announced.
Arsenal 1: Ohio's New Defense Facility
Anduril Industries will begin construction on the facility, called “Arsenal 1,” after state and local approvals are received. The facility will produce military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and autonomous aircraft. Production is set to begin in July 2026, Anduril chief strategy officer Christian Brose said. Ohio’s major investment will further the state’s strong history in the defense industry.
Ohio's Defense Industrial History and Evolving Infrastructure
Ohio is known as a major hub for the aerospace and defense industry. Republican Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said the investment is part of the state’s aviation history and that the facility will make a significant contribution to Ohio’s advanced aviation sector. Ohio has a long history of aviation, starting with the Wright brothers and growing around Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in the Dayton area. DeWine emphasized the importance of this sector, describing Ohio as “the brain of the Air Force.”
Ohio's Economic Development Strategies
Ohio has a strong aviation workforce and a large education infrastructure. The governor’s office, Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted and JobsOhio CEO JP Nauseef said the state’s economic development strategies are helping to attract such projects. Additionally, Ohio’s network of workforce development centers, colleges and universities are ready to train new advanced manufacturing workers. “Ohio is a great fit for these types of projects,” Husted said.
Ohio's High-Tech Investments
Anduril’s investment in Ohio will not only contribute to the defense industry, but also to the region’s high-tech sector. Projects such as Intel’s $20 billion chip factory in eastern Ohio and Honda and LG Energy Solution’s $3,5 billion battery factory in Fayette County are reinforcing the state’s rising power in the high-tech sector. The Ohio State University’s $2023 million software innovation center, which will launch in 110, will also boost the region’s competitiveness.
Huge Investment and Employment Opportunities
Anduril Industries will enter into agreements with JobsOhio, the state’s economic development agency, for the new facility in Ohio. The state plans to provide job creation tax credits for Anduril and a $70 million contribution from the All Ohio Future Fund. JobsOhio will also provide a significant grant and talent acquisition services for the project. This investment will make Ohio stronger for defense and high-tech manufacturing.
The advanced manufacturing facility that Anduril Industries will establish in Ohio will provide great economic benefit to the region and will be an important step in the merging of the defense industry and technological innovations.
