Warhound, a new startup that has raised $200 million, aims to genetically engineer war dogs for the US military and fit them with high-tech gear. The project is a collaboration between Colossal Biosciences' Ben Lamm and Anduril's Palmer Luckey. Lamm confirmed that Warhound has already begun editing genes from cell samples taken from top-performing military, police, and first responder dog breeds, primarily Belgian Malinois, Labradors, and Shepherds. The goal is to clone these dogs after scientists tweak their genes to reduce health issues like hip dysplasia and cancers common in these breeds. Future enhancements could include increased speed, agility, and olfactory sensitivity.
Anduril, led by Palmer Luckey, will design protective body armor, goggles, vests, and the software to power these tools for the dogs. Luckey is a partner in the business, though neither he nor Anduril holds equity; Colossal Biosciences owns equity, and Lamm serves on the board. David Spirk, formerly of Palantir, is the startup's CEO. Warhound expects its first batch of genetically engineered dogs to be born in early 2027, trained for tasks such as bomb detection and search-and-rescue operations.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing