- Anduril Industries is investing $1 billion to build “Arsenal-1,” a state-of-the-art weapons production facility in central Ohio, which will create 4,000 direct jobs and is expected to be the largest job-creation initiative in Ohioâs history.
- The 5 million square foot facility will specialize in producing autonomous systems and advanced weapons for the U.S. military and its allies, aiming to modernize Americaâs defense industrial base and enhance national security.
- Anduril chose Ohio for its robust infrastructure, skilled workforce and historical significance in aerospace and defense, with the facility located near Rickenbacker Airport, providing essential logistical support.
- Arsenal-1 will use Andurilâs proprietary “Arsenal” platform, a software-defined system designed for flexible and scalable production of military systems, capable of rapid scaling to meet surging defense demands.
- The project is projected to create an additional 8,500 jobs in supporting industries and aligns with efforts to revitalize U.S. manufacturing, reduce reliance on foreign supply chains and maintain a strategic edge in global defense.
In a significant boost to U.S. defense manufacturing, California-based Anduril Industries announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art âhyperscaleâ weapons production facility in central Ohio. The $1 billion project, dubbed âArsenal-1,â is set to become the largest single job-creation initiative in Ohioâs history, with 4,000 direct jobs expected upon completion. The facility, spanning 5 million square feet, will focus on producing autonomous systems and advanced weapons for the U.S. military and its allies, marking a pivotal step in modernizing Americaâs defense industrial base.
The announcement comes at a critical juncture as the U.S. seeks to counter rising global threats and strengthen its military capabilities. Anduril CEO Brian Schimpf emphasized the facilityâs importance, stating, âArsenal-1 represents a step forward in how we manufacture the autonomous systems and weapons that our nation and our allies need to remain secure. By harnessing a world-class workforce and a scalable, software-driven approach to manufacturing, Arsenal-1 will set the standard for how we respond to the challenges of the future fight.â
Ohio: A strategic choice for defense innovation
Andurilâs decision to build Arsenal-1 in Ohio follows a year-long search that evaluated multiple locations across the country. The company cited Ohioâs robust infrastructure, skilled manufacturing workforce and legacy in aerospace and defense as key factors in its selection. The facility will be located near Rickenbacker Airport, providing direct access to two 12,000-foot runways and a 75-acre private apron capable of supporting military-scale aircraft.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine hailed the project as a continuation of the stateâs storied history in aviation and defense, which dates back to the Wright brothers. âAt this critical moment in time, our country needs rapid technological innovation, which Anduril will deliver using Ohioâs skilled, hardworking labor force,â DeWine said. âThe future of American air power will be made in Ohio!â
The stateâs aerospace sector is already home to major players like GE Aerospace and Joby Aviation, which is preparing to manufacture electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft near Dayton. Ohioâs strategic investments in workforce development and infrastructure have positioned it as a hub for advanced manufacturing, making it an ideal location for Andurilâs ambitious project.
Arsenal-1: A new era in defense manufacturing
At the heart of Arsenal-1 is Andurilâs proprietary âArsenalâ platform, a software-defined manufacturing system designed to mass-produce autonomous systems and weapons. The facility will utilize a common set of commercial manufacturing tools and processes, allowing for maximum flexibility in reallocating resources to meet evolving defense needs. This approach enables rapid scaling of production to address surges in demand, ensuring the U.S. military and its allies can maintain a strategic edge.
Christian Brose, Andurilâs chief strategy officer, highlighted the facilityâs potential to transform defense manufacturing. âArsenal-1 will redefine the scale and speed at which autonomous systems and weapons can be produced,â Brose said. âThis is a monumental and essential step toward rebuilding Americaâs defense industrial base and enhancing deterrence amid rising international threats.â
The facility is expected to produce tens of thousands of military systems annually, with the capacity for future expansion on its 500-acre site. In addition to the 4,000 direct jobs, the project is projected to create an additional 8,500 jobs in supporting industries, further bolstering Ohioâs economy.
A legacy of innovation meets modern defense needs
Ohioâs role in advancing aerospace and defense technology is deeply rooted in its history. The state is home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASAâs Glenn Research Center, all of which have driven technological breakthroughs in military and space exploration. Andurilâs investment reinforces Ohioâs position as a leader in national security innovation.
The project also aligns with broader efforts to revitalize U.S. manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. As global tensions rise, the ability to rapidly produce advanced weapons systems domestically is increasingly critical. Arsenal-1 represents a significant step toward achieving that goal, ensuring the U.S. remains prepared to meet the challenges of an uncertain future.
Pending state and local approvals, construction on Arsenal-1 is set to begin immediately, with manufacturing operations slated to commence in July 2026. The facility will join Andurilâs existing production sites in Mississippi, Rhode Island, Georgia, Australia and California, further solidifying the companyâs role as a leader in defense technology.
As Ohio prepares to welcome Anduril, the stateâs leaders are optimistic about the economic and strategic benefits of the project. âThis investment reinforces Ohioâs position as a leader in advanced technology and national security,â said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. âWhen it comes to âMade in America,â you canât do it without âMade in Ohio.ââ
With Arsenal-1, Ohio is poised to play a central role in shaping the future of U.S. defense manufacturing, ensuring the nation remains at the forefront of military innovation for decades to come.
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Five Things New “Preppers” Forget When Getting Ready for Bad Times Ahead
The preparedness community is growing faster than it has in decades. Even during peak times such as Y2K, the economic downturn of 2008, and Covid, the vast majority of Americans made sure they had plenty of toilet paper but didn’t really stockpile anything else.
Things have changed. There’s a growing anxiety in this presidential election year that has prompted more Americans to get prepared for crazy events in the future. Some of it is being driven by fearmongers, but there are valid concerns with the economy, food supply, pharmaceuticals, the energy grid, and mass rioting that have pushed average Americans into “prepper” mode.
There are degrees of preparedness. One does not have to be a full-blown “doomsday prepper” living off-grid in a secure Montana bunker in order to be ahead of the curve. In many ways, preparedness isn’t about being able to perfectly handle every conceivable situation. It’s about being less dependent on government for as long as possible. Those who have proper “preps” will not be waiting for FEMA to distribute emergency supplies to the desperate masses.
Below are five things people new to preparedness (and sometimes even those with experience) often forget as they get ready. All five are common sense notions that do not rely on doomsday in order to be useful. It may be nice to own a tank during the apocalypse but there’s not much you can do with it until things get really crazy. The recommendations below can have places in the lives of average Americans whether doomsday comes or not.
Note: The information provided by this publication or any related communications is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. We do not provide personalized investment, financial, or legal advice.
Secured Wealth
Whether in the bank or held in a retirement account, most Americans feel that their life’s savings is relatively secure. At least they did until the last couple of years when de-banking, geopolitical turmoil, and the threat of Central Bank Digital Currencies reared their ugly heads.
It behooves Americans to diversify their holdings. If there’s a triggering event or series of events that cripple the financial systems or devalue the U.S. Dollar, wealth can evaporate quickly. To hedge against potential turmoil, many Americans are looking in two directions: Crypto and physical precious metals.
There are huge advantages to cryptocurrencies, but there are also inherent risks because “virtual” money can become challenging to spend. Add in the push by central banks and governments to regulate or even replace cryptocurrencies with their own versions they control and the risks amplify. There’s nothing wrong with cryptocurrencies today but things can change rapidly.
As for physical precious metals, many Americans pay cash to keep plenty on hand in their safe. Rolling over or transferring retirement accounts into self-directed IRAs is also a popular option, but there are caveats. It can often take weeks or even months to get the gold and silver shipped if the owner chooses to close their account. This is why Genesis Gold Group stands out. Their relationship with the depositories allows for rapid closure and shipping, often in less than 10 days from the time the account holder makes their move. This can come in handy if things appear to be heading south.
Lots of Potable Water
One of the biggest shocks that hit new preppers is understanding how much potable water they need in order to survive. Experts claim one gallon of water per person per day is necessary. Even the most conservative estimates put it at over half-a-gallon. That means that for a family of four, they’ll need around 120 gallons of water to survive for a month if the taps turn off and the stores empty out.
Being near a fresh water source, whether it’s a river, lake, or well, is a best practice among experienced preppers. It’s necessary to have a water filter as well, even if the taps are still working. Many refuse to drink tap water even when there is no emergency. Berkey was our previous favorite but they’re under attack from regulators so the Alexapure systems are solid replacements.
For those in the city or away from fresh water sources, storage is the best option. This can be challenging because proper water storage containers take up a lot of room and are difficult to move if the need arises. For “bug in” situations, having a larger container that stores hundreds or even thousands of gallons is better than stacking 1-5 gallon containers. Unfortunately, they won’t be easily transportable and they can cost a lot to install.
Water is critical. If chaos erupts and water infrastructure is compromised, having a large backup supply can be lifesaving.
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies
There are multiple threats specific to the medical supply chain. With Chinese and Indian imports accounting for over 90% of pharmaceutical ingredients in the United States, deteriorating relations could make it impossible to get the medicines and antibiotics many of us need.
Stocking up many prescription medications can be hard. Doctors generally do not like to prescribe large batches of drugs even if they are shelf-stable for extended periods of time. It is a best practice to ask your doctor if they can prescribe a larger amount. Today, some are sympathetic to concerns about pharmacies running out or becoming inaccessible. Tell them your concerns. It’s worth a shot. The worst they can do is say no.
If your doctor is unwilling to help you stock up on medicines, then Jase Medical is a good alternative. Through telehealth, they can prescribe daily meds or antibiotics that are shipped to your door. As proponents of medical freedom, they empathize with those who want to have enough medical supplies on hand in case things go wrong.
Energy Sources
The vast majority of Americans are locked into the grid. This has proven to be a massive liability when the grid goes down. Unfortunately, there are no inexpensive remedies.
Those living off-grid had to either spend a lot of money or effort (or both) to get their alternative energy sources like solar set up. For those who do not want to go so far, it’s still a best practice to have backup power sources. Diesel generators and portable solar panels are the two most popular, and while they’re not inexpensive they are not out of reach of most Americans who are concerned about being without power for extended periods of time.
Natural gas is another necessity for many, but that’s far more challenging to replace. Having alternatives for heating and cooking that can be powered if gas and electric grids go down is important. Have a backup for items that require power such as manual can openers. If you’re stuck eating canned foods for a while and all you have is an electric opener, you’ll have problems.
Don’t Forget the Protein
When most think about “prepping,” they think about their food supply. More Americans are turning to gardening and homesteading as ways to produce their own food. Others are working with local farmers and ranchers to purchase directly from the sources. This is a good idea whether doomsday comes or not, but it’s particularly important if the food supply chain is broken.
Most grocery stores have about one to two weeks worth of food, as do most American households. Grocers rely heavily on truckers to receive their ongoing shipments. In a crisis, the current process can fail. It behooves Americans for multiple reasons to localize their food purchases as much as possible.
Long-term storage is another popular option. Canned foods, MREs, and freeze dried meals are selling out quickly even as prices rise. But one component that is conspicuously absent in shelf-stable food is high-quality protein. Most survival food companies offer low quality “protein buckets” or cans of meat, but they are often barely edible.
Prepper All-Naturals offers premium cuts of steak that have been cooked sous vide and freeze dried to give them a 25-year shelf life. They offer Ribeye, NY Strip, and Tenderloin among others.
Having buckets of beans and rice is a good start, but keeping a solid supply of high-quality protein isn’t just healthier. It can help a family maintain normalcy through crises.
Prepare Without Fear
With all the challenges we face as Americans today, it can be emotionally draining. Citizens are scared and there’s nothing irrational about their concerns. Being prepared and making lifestyle changes to secure necessities can go a long way toward overcoming the fears that plague us. We should hope and pray for the best but prepare for the worst. And if the worst does come, then knowing we did what we could to be ready for it will help us face those challenges with confidence.
