COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a significant boost to Ohio's economy and technological landscape, defense contractor Anduril Industries has announced plans to establish a sprawling advanced manufacturing facility in central Ohio, aiming to create an impressive 4,000 jobs.

State officials revealed the news on Thursday, marking a pivotal moment for the region's high-tech sector.

The new facility, dubbed "Arsenal 1," will span a staggering 5 million square feet.

It is slated for construction on a sprawling 500-acre site near Rickenbacker International Airport in Pickaway County, roughly 16 miles southeast of Columbus.

Groundbreaking is expected to commence once the necessary state and local approvals are finalized.

Christian Brose, Anduril's Chief Strategy Officer, shared that production of military drones and autonomous air vehicles could kick off as early as July 2026, putting Ohio at the forefront of defense technology manufacturing.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine celebrated the announcement.

Noting it represents the largest single job creation initiative in the state's history, he emphasized Ohio's rich heritage in aviation and aerospace, which dates back to the Wright brothers.

And highlighted the state’s robust capabilities in advanced manufacturing.

“We are an aerospace state,” DeWine declared, referring to Ohio as “the brains of the Air Force.”

Ohio has leveraged its diverse aerospace workforce.

Supported by a robust network of job training centers, colleges, and universities, to foster an environment conducive to such major investments.

Lt. Governor Jon Husted remarked, “Ohio has literally built a strategy around this kind of project, and so we are perfect for them.”

The state's expanding aerospace sector features the global headquarters of GE Aerospace and the upcoming Joby Aviation facility in Dayton that will manufacture electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Anduril envisions its Ohio facility.

As a key component in revitalizing U.S. military manufacturing capabilities through advanced software and production innovations.

Ohio's burgeoning reputation as a technological hub.

Has earned it the moniker "silicon corridor," with burgeoning projects such as Intel's $20 billion chip factory near Columbus, and the $3.5 billion battery plant being developed by Honda and LG Energy Solution in Fayette County.

Additionally, Ohio State University plans to invest $110 million.

To build a software innovation center, supplementing these efforts.

As the Anduril project progresses.

It will seek a job creation tax credit from the Ohio Department of Development and a substantial $70 million investment from the All Ohio Future Fund, aimed at enhancing local sites for economic development.

JobsOhio also plans to offer significant grants and talent acquisition services.

To support the facility's launch, further cementing Ohio’s role as a key player in the nation's aerospace and defense manufacturing landscape.

This initiative is poised to reshape the local economy.

Offering thousands of jobs while also positioning Ohio as a critical contributor to the future of military technology.

Stay tuned as we track this exciting development!