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Defence technology disruptor Anduril has announced that its first hyperscale manufacturing facility, Arsenal-1, will be built in Columbus, Ohio, in a major milestone.
Anduril Industries is set to revolutionise defence manufacturing with the launch of Arsenal-1, a hyperscale facility designed to produce autonomous systems and weapons for the United States and its allies. This landmark project will enhance America’s defence industrial base, bolster warfighting capabilities and strengthen deterrence in an era of rising global threats.
Ohio was chosen as the site for Arsenal-1 due to its strong infrastructure, skilled manufacturing workforce and rich history in aerospace and defence. The facility will be located near Rickenbacker International Airport, offering direct access to military-grade runways and a private apron for efficient distribution.
At full scale, Arsenal-1 will span 5 million square feet, produce tens of thousands of systems annually and create 4,000 high-quality jobs – the largest single job-creation project in the state’s history.
Anduril CEO Brian Schimpf celebrated this milestone, saying, “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’s infrastructure and talent pool make it the ideal home for this historic effort to rebuild the arsenal of democracy.”
Arsenal-1 will be the first manufacturing facility of its kind, using a software-driven platform called Arsenal OS to integrate design, development and production seamlessly. Its flexible processes allow rapid scaling, resource reallocation and adaptation to meet evolving defence needs. The facility will primarily focus on producing autonomous weapons, sensors and systems supporting the United States and its allies with affordable and scalable solutions.
Anduril is investing nearly US$1 billion (AU$1.6 billion) into the project, which is expected to drive regional growth, create an additional 8,500 indirect jobs and solidify Ohio’s position as a hub for defence innovation.
The state’s legacy in aerospace and defence, supported by institutions like Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and NASA’s Glenn Research Center, further underscores its pivotal role in advancing military capabilities.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine highlighted the state’s readiness for cutting-edge innovation, while Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted celebrated the investment as a testament to Ohio’s leadership in advanced technology and national security.
Governor DeWine said, “Ohio’s history of advancing aviation, aerospace and national defence runs deep, but what sets this state apart is our readiness to embrace the future. At this critical moment in time, 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!”
Construction on Arsenal-1 is set to begin immediately, with production expected to commence in July 2026. This transformative project reinforces Anduril’s commitment to strengthening national security and marks a historic step in rebuilding America’s defence manufacturing base.
Anduril has demonstrated its global commitment to agile and responsive manufacturing. Arsenal-1 in Ohio will join a network of advanced facilities, including a solid rocket motor factory in Mississippi, a robotic submarine facility in Rhode Island, a launched effects factory in Georgia, an XL-AUV factory in Australia, and production sites in California.
