U.S. Defense Firm To Build 4,000-Worker Manufacturing Plant In Ohio

US defense contractor Anduril Industries has announced plans to construct an advanced manufacturing facility in central Ohio, creating approximately 4,000 jobs, state officials revealed, Julie Carr Smyth reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Anduril's production of military drones and autonomous air vehicles is set to begin in July 2026. I Photo: Anduril Facebook

The Costa Mesa, California-based defense technology company aims to begin construction of the facility, dubbed "Arsenal 1," once state and local approvals are secured.

The 5-million-square-foot (464,515-square-meter) plant will occupy a 500-acre (202-hectare) site near Rickenbacker International Airport in rural Pickaway County, about 16 miles (26 kilometers) southeast of Columbus.

Production of military drones and autonomous air vehicles is set to begin in July 2026, according to Christian Brose, Anduril's chief strategy officer. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine hailed the project as the state’s largest single job creation and payroll announcement.

“This marks a continuation of Ohio’s advanced aviation history, which began with the Wright brothers and continues to thrive around the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,” DeWine stated.