Defense technology company Anduril Industries has announced plans to construct a $1 billion manufacturing facility in Ohio, marking a significant expansion of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems production for military applications. The facility, set to be built in the Columbus area, represents one of the largest investments in defense technology manufacturing in recent years.

Founded by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, Anduril has quickly emerged as a leading player in military technology since its establishment in 2017. The company specializes in developing autonomous systems, including drones, surveillance towers, and AI-powered defense platforms.

The new factory will focus on producing several key technologies:

Autonomous surveillance systems
AI-powered defense platforms
Advanced drone systems
Counter-drone technology

The investment is expected to create approximately 1,000 new jobs in the region, primarily in engineering, manufacturing, and technical roles. This development comes at a crucial time as the United States seeks to strengthen its domestic defense manufacturing capabilities and maintain technological superiority in military applications.

The choice of Ohio for this facility is strategic, leveraging the state's strong manufacturing heritage, skilled workforce, and proximity to major defense contractors and military installations. The project has received support from state and local officials, who view it as a significant boost to Ohio's growing technology sector.

This development reflects a broader trend of increased investment in AI-powered defense technologies, as military operations become increasingly dependent on autonomous systems and artificial intelligence. The facility is expected to begin operations within the next two years, with full production capacity reached by 2026.

The announcement underscores the growing importance of private companies in developing cutting-edge military technology and highlights the increasing role of AI in national defense strategy.

Palmer Luckey on FusePop