Anduril Launches Global AI Drone Race with $500K Prize, Ohio Jobs

Defense tech company to open 5M-sq-ft facility, create over 4,000 jobs in Ohio

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

Defense technology company Anduril, founded by Palmer Luckey, has announced plans to open a massive 5-million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Ohio that is expected to create over 4,000 new jobs. The company, known for developing military drones and autonomous systems, is also launching a global AI drone race with a $500,000 prize.

Why it matters

Anduril's expansion into Ohio represents a significant economic boost for the state, bringing high-tech manufacturing jobs in the defense industry. The global AI drone race also signals Anduril's ambitions to push the boundaries of autonomous systems and attract top talent in the field.

The details

Anduril, a defense technology company founded by Palmer Luckey, has announced plans to open a 5-million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Ohio. The new facility is expected to create over 4,000 new jobs in the state. In addition to the facility expansion, Anduril is also launching a global AI drone race with a $500,000 prize, further cementing the company's focus on advancing autonomous systems technology.

  • Anduril announced the new Ohio facility and drone race on February 4, 2026.

The players

Anduril

A defense technology company that develops military drones and autonomous systems.

Palmer Luckey

The founder of Anduril.

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What’s next

Anduril plans to begin construction on the new Ohio facility in the coming months, with the goal of having it operational by 2028.

The takeaway

Anduril's expansion into Ohio and launch of a global AI drone race demonstrate the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of autonomous systems technology and creating high-tech manufacturing jobs in the defense industry.