PICKAWAY COUNTY, Ohio — Defense technology company Anduril Industries says it is ahead of schedule on its massive new Ohio manufacturing facility and is preparing to begin production of its next-generation autonomous military aircraft.
During a recent walkthrough of the company’s “Arsenal-1” site, officials confirmed the 5-million-square-foot facility is progressing faster than expected. Originally slated to begin production in July 2026, the company now says it is on track to start manufacturing at the end of the month.
The first product to be built at the site will be the YFQ-44A “Fury,” a jet-powered, semi-autonomous drone designed to operate alongside crewed fighter jets as part of the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. The aircraft completed its first flight on October 31, 2025, demonstrating high-speed and maneuverable capabilities.
Company leaders say the facility will eventually produce multiple platforms, including the Fury, the Roadrunner, the Barracuda, and additional undisclosed classified technologies still under development.
Focus on Affordability and Scalability
Anduril officials emphasized that the CCA concept is built around “affordability and attritability,” meaning systems are designed to be cost-effective and replaceable if lost in combat.
To achieve that, the company is relying heavily on a broad commercial supply chain, sourcing key components such as engines, avionics, and manufacturing components from multiple vendors rather than relying on single-source suppliers.
“We’ve seen in other programs that specialty parts and single manufacturers can create bottlenecks,” company representatives said. “We work with suppliers that can exceed our demand, so we’re not waiting, we are building.”
Some components, such as landing gear, are manufactured in-house to improve reliability, after Anduril found it couldn’t source them reliably elsewhere.
A Different Kind of Assembly Line
Unlike highly automated factories like you would see in the automotive industry, surprisingly, Anduril’s production floor is designed to be simple, flexible, and largely human-driven. During the tour, officials showcased an assembly line where aircraft frames will be moved by hand through production rather than by automated systems.
The company says this approach allows for faster adjustments, scalability, and customization based on demand. During the tour, it was demonstrated that most of the assembly floor wasn’t permanent, touting their flexibility to change and redesign for efficiency.
Despite building advanced autonomous aircraft, the environment itself is intentionally less automated and more worker-focused. Company officials noted the production floor will be quiet enough for music to be played overhead during shifts.
Inspired by WWII Production
Anduril leaders spoke to historic U.S. manufacturing efforts during World War II as inspiration, when aircraft production reached peak efficiency using assembly-line methods — including Ford’s Willow Run plant, which once produced a B-24 bomber every hour.
The company says its goal is to bring that same level of efficient, scalable production to modern defense manufacturing.
Workforce Development a Key Priority
The project is expected to bring up to 4,000 jobs to the region, and Anduril says it is already working with local school districts, including Teays Valley, Circleville, Logan Elm, and Westfall to build a pipeline of future workers.
Company officials say they have begun visiting schools and engaging with staff to prepare them for careers in advanced manufacturing.
“Culture is really important to us,” representatives said. “When people enjoy their jobs, it creates a more productive environment — and word spreads.”
Looking Ahead
As construction continues, Anduril says the Pickaway County facility will play a major role in the future of U.S. defense manufacturing, combining advanced technology with scalable production methods aimed at meeting growing military demand. Expect a video tour posted soon.
