On a recent panel discussion at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s Midwest Aerospace and Defense Summit, airport leaders from across the state discussed how their complementary roles provide opportunity for the defense and aerospace industry to grow in Ohio. Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) President & CEO Daren Griffin shared how Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) allows manufacturing, warehousing, suppliers, and global cargo operations to come together in one integrated ecosystem in Central Ohio. 

Recent investment at Rickenbacker shows what happens when the right infrastructure meets the right opportunity. 

When the first Ohio-built Fury autonomous fighter rolled off the production line at Anduril Industries’ Arsenal-1 facility in late July, it marked a significant milestone for both the company and Ohio’s growing aerospace and defense sector, showing that advanced manufacturing projects can move from investment to production quickly when supported by the right infrastructure, logistics network, and public-private partnerships. 

But development at Rickenbacker isn’t limited to Anduril. Anduril is just the beginning. With two 12,000-foot runways that accommodate the world’s largest aircraft and more than one thousand acres of development-ready sites for future investment, Rickenbacker combines manufacturing, air cargo, rail, highway, customs, and foreign-trade zone advantages into a globally connected logistics hub.  

That means businesses can locate, manufacture, store, distribute, and scale from a single location rather than spreading operations across multiple markets. The combination of existing infrastructure, available land, and an established logistics network give companies the flexibility to quickly scale their operations. 

These types of investments generate demand for suppliers, attract complementary businesses, and support high-quality careers in engineering, manufacturing, logistics, skilled trades, and technology. From career tech centers to graduate schools, educational institutions in Central Ohio are providing a pipeline of skilled workers that drive companies’ continued growth.  

The momentum is already underway. With the infrastructure, land, and partnerships to support long-term growth, Rickenbacker is the engine transforming today’s investments into a lasting aerospace and defense ecosystem for Ohio.