
Anduril Starts Construction at Ohio Arsenal-1 Plant
Columbus, Ohio – Anduril, a leading defense technology company, has been quietly constructing its new Ohio weapons manufacturing facility, Arsenal-1, near Rickenbacker Airport in Columbus. The project, first announced in January, aims to produce drones and advanced aerial weapons, reinforcing the U.S. military’s autonomous capabilities.
While Anduril initially targeted a groundbreaking in July, construction has been underway for several months, including land leveling for a second building. The company has not confirmed whether the planned July 2026 start date for weapons production in Pickaway County will remain on schedule.
Arsenal-1 represents the largest single-job creation investment in Ohio’s history, promising 4,000 new jobs across engineering, logistics, talent, and communications roles. This surpasses Intel’s Licking County project, which previously held the state’s job creation record. JobsOhio noted that it is common for businesses like Anduril to begin construction quietly without public ceremonies.
The Arsenal-1 plant is part of Anduril’s initiative to strengthen American defense, manufacturing tens of thousands of autonomous weapons for the U.S. and its allies. The company is already supplying autonomous systems to nations such as Ukraine, with additional deliveries expected once the Ohio plant is operational. Australia recently purchased autonomous submarines from Anduril, although these will be built locally, while Arsenal-1 will focus on aerial weaponry.
Hiring for Arsenal-1 has already begun, with Anduril’s Fury Launch Team undergoing six months of intensive training at the company’s headquarters in preparation for their roles in Columbus. The facility promises significant economic growth for the region while contributing to advanced military technologies.