Warhound Spends $200 Million to Clone Military Dogs

Warhound, a new defense startup, has raised $200 million to create gene-edited dogs for the United States military. The company plans to begin producing its first batch of these animals in early 2027. These dogs will undergo training for standard military tasks, including bomb detection and search and rescue operations.

The venture is a collaboration between Ben Lamm of Colossal Biosciences and Palmer Luckey of Anduril. Lamm stated in an interview with Wired that scientists have already begun editing the genes of cell samples from a first group of donor dogs. These donors are high-performing animals from military, police, and first responder units across the country. The majority are Belgian Malinois, with some Labrador and shepherd breeds included in the pool.

The initial genetic work focuses on reducing the likelihood of common health issues in these breeds. Specific targets include hip dysplasia and certain types of cancer. Lamm told TechCrunch that future modifications might enhance physical traits. These could include increased speed, better agility, or a sharper sense of smell.

Luckey, who founded Oculus VR, is a partner in the business. His company, Anduril, will handle the equipment side of the project. Anduril will design tools and software for protective gear such as goggles, vests, and body armor. The company does not currently plan to build cyborg dogs. Anduril has previously worked with OpenAI on Pentagon AI projects and holds a contract with the US Army for battlefield intelligence systems.

Lamm’s Colossal Biosciences holds equity in the startup. He also serves on the company’s board. Colossal is known for its de-extinction efforts, including projects to revive the dire wolf and the woolly mammoth. David Spirk, a former employee of Palantir, serves as the chief executive officer of Warhound.

The ownership structure differs from the public partnership. Neither Luckey nor Anduril holds a stake in the company. The funding allows Warhound to proceed with cloning the genetically modified samples. The goal is to produce animals that are healthier and more effective in their roles.