Warhound Starts Cloning Military Dogs

The US military will receive its first genetically modified working dogs in early 2027. These animals are intended to perform standard duties such as bomb detection and search-and-rescue operations.

Warhound, a startup co-founded by Ben Lamm of Colossal Biosciences, has secured $200 million in funding. The capital supports the genetic engineering and cloning of high-performing dogs. Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril, is a partner in the venture.

Scientists have already begun editing cell samples from the first group of donor animals. These donors are top-tier military, police, and first responder dogs from across the United States. The breeds include Belgian Malinois, Labradors, and German Shepherds.

The initial focus of the genetic work is on health. Lamm told Wired that the goal is to lower the risk of breed-specific conditions such as hip dysplasia and certain cancers. He suggested to TechCrunch that future edits could enhance speed, agility, or olfactory capability.

Anduril will handle the hardware side of the project. The company will design protective gear and the software that controls it. Items under development include goggles, vests, and body armor. The partnership is not currently planning to create cyborg dogs.

The ownership structure differs from the public partnership. Lamm sits on the board, and Colossal Biosciences holds equity in the company. Luckey is a partner but does not hold a stake in Warhound, nor does Anduril. David Spirk, formerly of Palantir, serves as CEO.

The founders bring distinct backgrounds to the project. Luckey founded Oculus VR and previously partnered with OpenAI to develop artificial intelligence for the Pentagon. His company also won an Army contract to build battlefield intelligence systems with Palantir. Lamm’s company is known for de-extinction efforts, including a project to revive the dire wolf and another targeting the woolly mammoth.