Anduril Industries has announced a $1 billion investment to construct a new campus in Southern California, with the project highlighted by Governor Gavin Newsom. The planned 1.18 million-square-foot facility will be located across Long Beach and Lakewood and is expected to open in mid-2027. Anduril will maintain its headquarters in Costa Mesa.
The new campus is projected to support about 5,500 direct jobs on site, with additional employment generated indirectly through construction, security, and related services. The facility will feature lab space, prototype manufacturing areas, and workspaces for engineers and software developers.
Governor Newsom stated: “Anduril’s world-class innovation and deep California roots are helping shape the next generation of America’s aerospace and defense industry. With this major investment, they are reinforcing California’s leadership in this critical sector, creating good-paying jobs and strengthening the state’s innovation ecosystem.”
Anduril Industries specializes in advanced defense technologies such as drones, missiles, robotic submarines, and autonomous fighter jets. The company currently employs around 7,000 people at 35 locations, with approximately half based in Southern California. The region continues to be a significant hub for aerospace and defense companies due to its skilled technical workforce and longstanding history in U.S. defense and aviation industries.
California plays a leading role in aerospace and defense nationally. It hosts about one-third of the country’s space technology companies and has more aerospace engineers and defense personnel than any other state. The sector is considered an “accelerate” area under the California Jobs First Blueprint initiated by Governor Newsom. This industry contributes an estimated $35 billion annually to California’s gross domestic product.
The broader economic landscape of California remains strong as well. The state ranks among the world’s largest economies and leads the nation in business starts, venture capital investments, manufacturing output, and agricultural production. Its growing population and record tourism spending have supported continued growth across various sectors.
