COLUMBUS, OHIO — Anduril, a defense and aerospace contractor, has selected a site in Columbus for Arsenal-1, the company’s first hyperscale weapons manufacturing facility. The Southern California-based firm plans to invest approximately $1 billion of its own capital into the development.
Anduril expects the new Arsenal plant to create more than 4,000 direct jobs in Pickaway County and the surrounding areas, as well as 8,500 indirect jobs from suppliers, construction and other sectors. The company says the project represents the largest single job-creation development in the history of Ohio.
At full scale, the facility will span 5 million square feet and produce tens of thousands of military systems annually, according to Anduril. The firm will produce most of its suite of autonomous weapons, sensors and systems at the facility.
“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 Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “This investment reinforces Ohio’s position as a leader in advanced technology and national security.”
The site is located near Rickenbacker Airport and features two 12,000-foot runways and a 75-acre private apron that will accommodate military-scale aircraft for delivery purposes. The site also includes more than 500 acres available for future expansion.
Anduril conducted a year-long site selection process that evaluated numerous locations across the United States. Pending local and state approvals, construction on the facility is expected to begin immediately, and the first products will be manufactured beginning in July 2026.
The new Arsenal plant will join existing Anduril factories including a solid rocket motor factory in Mississippi, robotic submarine facility in Rhode Island, launched effects factory in Georgia, XL-AUV factory in Australia and production facilities in its home state of California.
— John Nelson