Anduril Industries secured $5 billion in funding, nearly doubling its valuation to $61 billion as the US administration turns to smaller players for modern military equipment. The round, led by Thrive Capital and Andreessen Horowitz, represents a dramatic shift from the company's $30 billion valuation just last year.

Founded by Palmer Luckey and backed by Peter Thiel, Anduril has emerged as a disruptor to traditional defense contractors. The California-based company doubled its workforce and revenues to $2.2 billion in 2025 while expanding production at its Ohio factory, reflecting venture capital's growing interest in defense technology amid global geopolitical tensions.

The Pentagon's embrace of Anduril includes a $20 billion Army contract for its AI-enabled Lattice system and selection for the Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, beating established contractors. CEO Brian Schimpf warned investors in January that the world has entered a "new Cold War period," reiterating that rearmament is not optional amid great power rivalry.