Ohio State Officials announced on Thursday (January 16th) that the American defense contractor Anduril Industries is preparing to build a large-scale high-tech factory in the state of Ohio. The factory is expected to start mass-producing military drones and autonomous aircraft from July 2026. This move is seen as an important step for the United States in rebuilding its defense industry, enhancing deterrence, and prevailing over the Chinese Communist Party in potential conflicts.
Anduril, a defense technology company headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, plans to immediately begin construction of its large high-tech factory named “Arsenal-1” upon obtaining approval from the state and local governments.
According to Anduril, Arsenal-1 will redefine the scale and speed of autonomous system and weapon production, playing a pivotal role in rebuilding the foundation of the American defense industry, strengthening U.S. combat capabilities, and enhancing deterrence amid increasing international threats. The factory is expected to engage in “mass-scale” manufacturing through advanced software and production technologies.
Brian Schimpf, the CEO of Anduril, emphasized that “our nation and allies require these systems and weapons to ensure security.” He stated, “By leveraging world-class labor and scalable, software-driven manufacturing methods, Arsenal-1 will set the benchmark for how we face future battles.”
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine highlighted that this investment by Anduril represents one of the largest in Ohio’s history, based on the number of jobs created and projected wages. This new factory marks a continuation of Ohio’s advanced aviation history.
The state officials mentioned that Ohio possesses a strong and diverse aerospace workforce through targeted economic development efforts. The state also has a vocational training center, colleges, and a university network ready to cultivate new advanced manufacturing workers.
Ohio is becoming a hub for aerospace and technology industries with companies like General Electric Aerospace, the world’s largest aircraft engine manufacturer, setting up its global headquarters in the state. Additionally, starting this year, Joby Aviation, a personal air vehicle startup company, will produce electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft near Dayton.
Ohio is developing a high-tech industry corridor with the involvement of companies like Intel, Honda, and LG Energy Solution. The Ohio State University is also establishing a $110 million software innovation center to complement these efforts.