LONG BEACH, Calif. — Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday spotlighted Anduril Industries’ plans to invest $1 billion in a new Southern California campus, an expansion expected to create approximately 5,500 direct jobs and further cement California’s position as a national leader in aerospace and defense innovation.
The project includes construction of a 1.18 million-square-foot campus spanning Long Beach and Lakewood, while Anduril will continue to operate its headquarters in Costa Mesa. The new facility is designed to support the company’s long-term growth and will feature laboratory space, prototype manufacturing, and dedicated areas for engineers and software developers. The campus is expected to open in mid-2027.
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“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,” Governor Gavin Newsom said.
Beyond direct employment, state officials noted the expansion will support thousands of additional jobs through construction activity, security services, and other related industries, delivering a broader economic impact across the region.
Anduril Industries develops advanced defense technologies, including drones, missiles, robotic submarines, and autonomous fighter jets. The company employs approximately 7,000 people across 35 locations worldwide, with about half of its workforce based in Southern California. The expansion places Anduril among a growing network of aerospace and defense firms drawn to the region’s skilled workforce and longstanding ties to U.S. defense and aviation industries.
Southern California has emerged as one of the nation’s fastest-growing hubs for advanced manufacturing and space technology, supported by a strong pipeline of engineers, researchers, and software developers.
California remains home to roughly one-third of the nation’s space technology companies and employs more aerospace engineers and defense personnel than any other state. The aerospace and defense sector is a cornerstone of the California Jobs First Blueprint launched by Governor Newsom and contributes an estimated $35 billion annually to the state’s gross domestic product.
State leaders say sustained public-private investment, world-class infrastructure, and a highly experienced workforce continue to attract major aerospace and defense projects to California.
Officials also pointed to California’s broader economic momentum, noting the state’s role as a global economic leader across industries including manufacturing, agriculture, venture capital, and technology. With population growth and record tourism spending, California’s economy continues to expand across multiple regions, reinforcing its ability to support large-scale industrial investments.
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is supporting the expansion as part of its broader mission to attract, retain, and grow businesses across the state through site selection assistance, permit streamlining, and workforce development coordination.
Originally reported by Business. California Government.
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