A US military working dog. (US Army via SWNS)
By Dean Murray
A new tech company has raised $200 million to produce genetically enhanced dogs for the U.S. military.
Warhound announced on Friday (Oct. 23) that it will leverage “cybernetics technology” for the animals set for U.S. armed forces, law enforcement and emergency first response teams.
It is the brainchild of American technology entrepreneurs Ben Lamm of de-extinction company Colossal and Palmer Luckey, co-founder of defense technology company Anduril Industries.
Warhound says it will combine Colossal’s enhanced genetics platform and “biobanking” capabilities to clone America’s top-performing dogs.
Anduril will supply the dogs with eye and ear protection and Eagle Eye technology, an AI-powered military helmet.
Warhound artist impression of dogs. (Warhound via SWNS)
Warhound said: “All dogs will be equipped by Anduril’s advanced cybernetic Augments, software, and battlefield situational awareness.”
Led by CEO David Spirk, the company says it will reduce dependence on a shrinking European supply chain of working dogs and strengthen America’s ability to protect its own people, infrastructure, and national security interests.
Warhound said in a statement: “The concept of Warhound was conceived years ago by Palmer and Ben after a discussion at Peter Diamandis’ Moonshots Summit.
“Military working-dog programs face a costly challenge: more than half of candidate dogs fail to complete training, while reliance on overseas breeders leaves the United States dependent on a constrained foreign supply chain.
“Warhound was created to improve that system — producing fewer dogs with a greater likelihood of remaining healthy, completing training, and succeeding in their missions.”
US military working dog. Ricky, a Belgian Malinois at Maritime Safety and Security Team San Francisco, is shown outfitted in his vertical delivery gear consisting of a hoisting vest, eye protection and hearing protection during training at Coast Guard Base Alameda. (US Army via SWNS)
Based in Texas, Warhound will operate under the guidance of the American Humane Society, which will certify its training programs and support the reunification of retired military working dogs with their former handlers, as well as adoption protocols.
Ben Lamm said: “Every day, we ask dogs to put their lives on the line to protect ours. They detect explosives, protect our troops, and run toward dangers that most people are trained to run away from. Yet we’re still relying on outdated approaches to breeding and training these extraordinary animals, with too many never making it through the process.
“We have an opportunity to fundamentally change that. Colossal has spent years pioneering breakthroughs in genetics, cloning, and animal biology, and now we’re applying that science to give these dogs the best possible chance at a long, healthy life and a successful mission.
“If we’re going to ask man’s best friend to protect America, we owe it to them to use every tool at our disposal to protect them, too.”
The company reportedly expects the first round of puppies to be born in early 2027.
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