Defense tech giant Anduril is weighing plans to open a new factory in the United Kingdom as part of its global expansion. The move comes as Europe ramps up defense spending, creating fresh opportunities for companies specializing in advanced military technologies.
Rich Drake, Anduril’s general manager for the U.K. and Europe, confirmed the company’s interest in setting up a local facility. “If we get enough orders, absolutely we are planning to open a facility in the U.K.,” he told Bloomberg.
The potential factory would focus on manufacturing autonomous drones and serve as a hub for research and development projects. Reports suggest that Anduril is eyeing a location near Oxford or Cambridge, both known for their deep tech talent pools.
This expansion signals Anduril’s growing ambitions beyond U.S. defense contracts. Earlier this year, the California-based company announced plans to build a billion-dollar megafactory in Ohio. That facility will boost production of its cutting-edge defense systems designed for the U.S. military.
Now, the company sees Europe as its next major growth frontier. With the U.S. pulling back on aid to Ukraine, European nations have been pouring record amounts into their defense budgets. That surge in spending opens the door for Anduril and other defense tech startups to secure lucrative contracts.
Anduril is also making headlines in the venture capital world. The company is reportedly in talks to raise new funding at a staggering $28 billion valuation. However, it declined to comment on the potential U.K. expansion or funding talks.
The interest in European expansion mirrors a wider trend across the defense tech sector. Just last month, Saronic revealed plans to build a factory for mass-producing autonomous warships. With the growing appetite for advanced military hardware, factories are fast becoming the next big thing in defense innovation.
For Anduril, a U.K. facility would not only strengthen its European footprint but also position the company closer to emerging defense projects on the continent. It could also open the door to partnerships with U.K. research institutions and tech hubs, giving Anduril a competitive edge in the global defense market.
