Activists gathered outside the Ohio Air National Guard Base at Rickenbacker International Airport on Sunday to protest Anduril's proposed $900-million drone manufacturing facility in central Ohio.
The demonstration, which drew more than 25 protesters, marked one of the first public displays of opposition to the "Arsenal 1" facility that Anduril says will create over 4,000 jobs in the region.
Veterans for Peace organizer Darrin Broering led the 90-minute protest, where participants displayed signs criticizing Anduril and the U.S. military while chanting "O-H-I-O, all these drones have got to go."
"Yes, they're going to create jobs, but those positions could focus on producing items that are more productive and less destructive," said Broering, expressing concern about weapons manufacturing in the area.
Pat Marida, who coordinates the Ohio Nuclear Free Network, raised concerns about the facility's potential impact on global militarization and environmental damage. She also worried about extensive land development in central Ohio.
"If we stop the money, we can stop this," said Marida, indicating that protesters aim to halt funding flows to Anduril through coordinated activist efforts.
The demonstration included speeches from activist leaders who outlined their opposition to the defense technology company's planned expansion into Ohio's capital region.