Progress at Arsenal-1: Anduril’s Ambitious Project in Ohio
A year after unveiling plans for Arsenal-1 in Pickaway County, Ohio, U.S. defense technology company Anduril has confirmed that construction is now firmly underway. The project, which once raised questions about its viability, is progressing steadily, with work already started on the first of several planned buildings. Building 1 will span an impressive 775,000 square feet of production space, complemented by 120,000 square feet dedicated to office and support facilities.
The Expansive Buildout
Anduril has also made significant strides with Building 2, which broke ground last summer. This massive structure, larger than the first at over 924,000 square feet, is now in the process of having its walls erected, with interior construction soon to follow. As part of a comprehensive site plan, Anduril has laid out a staggered, 10-year buildout strategy to bring Arsenal-1 to full scale by 2035. This gradual approach means that various manufacturing and warehouse buildings, a centralized hub, a substation, operations facilities, and even a campus amenities building will be rolled out over time. This strategy allows Anduril to align production capacity closely with demand, ensuring that the facilities operate at maximum efficiency.
Engaging with the Local Community
Anduril recognizes the importance of fostering relationships within the local community and has initiated collaboration with Pickaway County officials and Ohio state engineers. These partnerships focus on road and traffic design, ensuring that the infrastructure can accommodate the expected influx of activity related to the site. Moreover, the company is actively engaging with local partners and schools, laying the groundwork for a long-term commitment to the region and its workforce.
Creating Job Opportunities
As Arsenal-1 gears up for operation, Anduril is poised to become a significant employer in Ohio. The company employed its first 25 Ohio-based workers in July, all of whom were trained at its California headquarters before making their way back to Ohio. These initial hires are primarily in technical production and manufacturing roles, and their return heralds the beginning of full-scale hiring and early production in Building 1. By 2025, more than 50 people are expected to be on board, with recruiting efforts already underway for additional cohorts.
Strengthening Leadership in Ohio
To further bolster its presence in Ohio, Anduril has announced new appointments to its leadership team in the state. This includes a vice president of production, a director of state and local government relations, and a director of external affairs, all based in central Ohio. These additions reflect the company’s commitment to establishing a robust operational framework and maintaining open lines of communication with local stakeholders.
Innovative Defense Manufacturing
One of the most exciting aspects of Arsenal-1 is its focus on cutting-edge technology. The first product to roll off the lines will be the YFQ-44A, a missionized variant of Anduril’s Fury autonomous fighter jet, developed for the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. What sets this endeavor apart is the remarkable speed at which the aircraft has progressed; from initial design to a fully realized platform in just 365 days. Flight testing began in October, with the aim of commencing production in Building 1 by the second quarter of the upcoming year.
Vision for the Future
Anduril envisions Arsenal-1 as a cornerstone of a new model for American defense manufacturing. Over the next year, multiple programs are expected to relocate to the site, signaling a dynamic future for defense capabilities centered in Ohio. With its commitment to enhancing U.S. industrial capacity and investing in the local workforce, Anduril is not just building facilities but also laying the groundwork for enduring economic development in the region.
As the project continues to unfold, Anduril plans to provide updates, keeping stakeholders informed about the exciting developments moving forward in this ambitious venture.