Anduril Industries: $1 Billion Defense Tech Campus Coming to Long Beach, CA

Anduril Industries, a leading defense technology company based in Southern California, is planning a major expansion in Long Beach with a new $1-billion complex. The facility, to be located near Long Beach Airport, signals continued investment in the region’s aerospace sector and a commitment to developing cutting-edge defense systems.

A New Hub for Advanced Defense Technologies

Anduril specializes in developing a range of advanced defense technologies, including drones, missiles, robotic submarines, and autonomous fighter jets. The Long Beach operation will house designer engineers, coders, and provide dedicated lab space and prototype manufacturing facilities. Construction is slated to begin mid-year, with the first building expected to open by the end of 2027.

Strategic Location and Scale

The new campus will be built at Douglas Park, an industrial park with a long history of aerospace manufacturing. Anduril has leased over 1 million square feet of land from Sares Regis Group for the project. The completed campus will span approximately 1.18 million square feet across six buildings, comprising 750,000 square feet of office space and 435,000 square feet dedicated to research and development.

Did You Know? Long Beach has a significant history in aerospace manufacturing, previously producing the B-17 bomber during World War II and, more recently, the C-17 Globemaster III military transport.

Anduril co-founder Matt Grimm stated the expansion is driven by anticipated growth. “As we look at the next five to 10 years…we’re going to be embarking on a whole bunch of new programs,” Grimm said, adding that the company will need to hire additional personnel.

Navigating California’s Business Landscape

Despite challenges related to taxes and regulations in California, Anduril, like many defense companies, finds the state’s established network of industry partners and highly skilled workforce essential. Grimm highlighted the “truly remarkable” talent pool around Long Beach and neighboring communities, specializing in aerospace sectors.

However, not all within the company agree on the state’s fiscal policies. Anduril’s co-founder, Palmer Luckey, recently voiced concerns regarding a proposed tax on billionaires, stating it “makes founder-led companies practically illegal,” in a post on X.

Economic Impact and Future Prospects

The Long Beach facility is projected to create approximately 5,500 jobs, with thousands more indirect jobs stemming from construction, security, and supporting services. The campus will include design labs, machine shops, and testing facilities to support these workers.

Expert Insight: Anduril’s investment in Long Beach underscores the continued importance of established aerospace hubs, even as new centers of innovation emerge. The company’s decision suggests a strategic balance between accessing specialized talent and maintaining proximity to existing infrastructure and supply chains.

Strategically located 30 minutes from Anduril’s Costa Mesa headquarters and 90 minutes from its Capistrano test site, the Long Beach campus is intended to facilitate rapid design, testing, and iteration. Anduril currently employs around 7,000 people across 35 locations, with roughly half based in Southern California.

This expansion follows Anduril’s announcement in 2025 of a $1-billion “Arsenal” manufacturing plant in Columbus, Ohio, designed for the mass production of its autonomous vehicles. Arsenal-1 is scheduled to open this year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of technologies will be developed at the Long Beach facility?

The Long Beach operation will focus on the development of drones, missiles, robotic submarines, and autonomous fighter jets, with dedicated space for design, coding, lab work, and prototype manufacturing.

How many jobs will the new facility create?

The new Long Beach facility is expected to directly employ about 5,500 workers, with thousands more indirect jobs generated through construction, security, and supporting services.

What is Anduril’s overall employee count?

Anduril currently has approximately 7,000 employees across 35 locations, including international offices, with about half of its workforce based in Southern California.

As Anduril continues to expand its operations, will the company’s reliance on Southern California’s aerospace talent remain a key factor in its growth strategy?