Warhound, a defense startup founded by Anduril CEO Palmer Luckey and Colossal Biosciences CEO Ben Lamm, emerged from stealth this week with a plan to bioengineer an army of genetically enhanced, teched-out super dogs for military, law enforcement and emergency response.
The company, which is backed by a $200 million seed round, said it will use Colossal's genetics platform and secure biobanking capabilities for controlled delivery of working dogs through cloning combined with training and animal care. Through a partnership, all the dogs will be equipped by Anduril's cybernetic augments and software including EagleEye, an augmented reality system that provides “AI-enhanced digital vision” and other features.
The idea is to produce fewer, healthier dogs that are better equipped to handle various missions while also reducing reliance on overseas breeders. The Military Working Dog Program currently includes more than 2,000 working dog teams. But it's difficult to build up a force that large since after the approximately three-year acquisition-and-training program, less than half of the dogs are deemed fit for service.
"Our long-term goal is simple: healthier dogs, better-prepared teams, and more service members and first responders coming home safely. My focus is building a team that can turn scientific advances into capabilities that work in the field,” said Warhound CEO David Spirk, a United States Marine Corps veteran and former chief data officer with extensive military intelligence experience.
Warhound said it has earned the support of the American Humane Society, which will certify its training programs and support the reunification of retired military working dogs with their former handlers and adoption protocols.
Alta Charo, Warren P. Knowles Professor Emerita of Law and Bioethics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, said Warhound is an opportunity to improve working dogs' health and welfare.
“As a bioethicist, my role is to help ensure that scientific ambition is matched by careful ethical review, meaningful oversight, and a lifelong commitment to the animals' well-being. With the support of the American Humane Society and their history with the military working dog reunification as well as pups for patriots, Warhound has a strong foundation and a program worthy of public trust,” she said in a statement.
Warhound will be supported by Colossal’s biotechnology, which last year was used to genetically engineer wolves similar to the extinct dire wolf, following similar efforts to resurrect the wooly mammoth and dodo. It’s unclear exactly how Warhound’s dogs will use Anduril’s technology in the field but Warhound said it will provide the dogs with eye and ear protection.
