Warhound Raises $200 Million to Build Gene-Edited Military Dogs

Warhound, a startup backed by Colossal Biosciences founder Ben Lamm and Anduril founder Palmer Luckey, has raised $200 million to genetically engineer dogs for the US military. The company has already begun editing gene samples from its first group of donor dogs, Lamm told Wired. Those samples came from top-performing military, police and first responder dogs across the United States, mostly Belgian Malinois, along with some labradors and shepherds. Colossal scientists will modify the animals' genes and then clone them.

The first round of research targets health conditions that run in certain breeds, including hip dysplasia and some cancers, with the goal of lowering the odds dogs develop them. Lamm told TechCrunch that further changes could come later, including edits to make animals faster and more agile or to sharpen their sense of smell.

Anduril's contribution centers on gear rather than genetics. The company will design tools and the software that runs them, including goggles, vests and body armor, intended to protect dogs while they work.

The ownership setup differs from the partnership's public profile. Luckey is a partner in the business, but neither he nor Anduril holds a stake in the startup. Colossal Biosciences holds equity, and Lamm sits on its board. David Spirk, who most recently worked at Palantir, is the CEO.

Warhound expects the first batch of engineered dogs to arrive in early 2027. The animals will train for jobs working dogs already perform, such as detecting bombs and assisting in search-and-rescue operations.