Anduril & Ohio – Rebuilding the Arsenal

The Problem

The United States needs to rapidly scale the production of autonomous defense systems to address evolving global security threats. Traditional defense manufacturing methods are insufficient to meet the demand for timely and cost-effective solutions. A modernized approach to defense manufacturing that could deliver advanced capabilities at scale is urgently required.

Based in Costa Mesa, Calif., Anduril aims to “Rebuild the Arsenal” of U.S. military weapons and platforms by “hyperscaling” manufacturing with advanced software and production technologies.

To do so successfully, Anduril needed to find a strategic location that brings together superior technical and manufacturing talent with a commitment to aerospace, defense, and innovation.

The Solution

Anduril Industries partnered with the State of Ohio to construct Arsenal-1, a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Pickaway County, near Rickenbacker International Airport.

The convergence of Ohio’s strengths in several critical sectors was the primary driver for Anduril’s decision. Nowhere in the country can you find a more integrated environment in defense, aerospace, manufacturing, and technology than Ohio. 

This collaboration also leveraged the state's robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and supportive business environment. The facility was designed to integrate advanced software-driven manufacturing processes, enabling the rapid production of autonomous systems and weapons.

Key factors in choosing Ohio included:

• Cross-sector integration between defense, aerospace, manufacturing, and technology.
• Access to a large pool of STEM professionals and the nation’s third-largest manufacturing workforce.
• Proximity to defense and aerospace infrastructure, including Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
• A favorable business climate with significant state incentives, including a 30-year Job Creation Tax Credit estimated to save Anduril $450 million.
• Support from JobsOhio, providing talent acquisition services and additional funding for site preparation.

The Results

• Job Creation: The project is set to create over 4,000 direct jobs by 2035, marking it as the largest single job-creation initiative in Ohio's history.
• Economic Impact: Arsenal-1 is projected to contribute nearly $1 billion to Ohio's gross domestic product and generate over $2 billion in annual economic output.
• Operational Timeline: Construction is underway, with the first products expected to be manufactured by July 2026.
• Strategic Advantage: The facility positions Ohio as a national leader in advanced defense manufacturing, enhancing the United States' ability to respond to current and future security challenges.

For more information, visit Anduril in Ohio.