Warhound Spends $200 Million to Clone Elite Military Dogs

Defense technology firms have long pursued advanced tools, but Warhound is taking a biological approach to the battlefield. The startup secured $200 million in funding to clone top-performing working dogs for the US military.

The company plans to modify the genes of cell samples from high-achieving animals before cloning them. These donor dogs are primarily Belgian Malinois, with some labradors and shepherds included. The initial genetic edits target common breed health issues, specifically hip dysplasia and certain cancers.

Ben Lamm, co-founder of Colossal Biosciences, confirmed to Wired that the genetic editing process has already begun. He told TechCrunch that future modifications could enhance speed, agility, or olfactory sensitivity. The first batch of these engineered dogs is expected to be born in early 2027.

The venture is a joint effort involving Lamm and Palmer Luckey, the founder of Anduril Industries. Luckey, who previously created Oculus VR, holds a partnership role in the business but does not hold a stake in the startup. Colossal Biosciences retains equity in the company. David Spirk, formerly of Palantir, serves as CEO.

Anduril's involvement focuses on equipment rather than biology. The firm will design protective gear and the software that controls it. Items under development include goggles, vests, and body armor for the animals. Warhound has no current plans to create cyborg dogs.

The dogs will be trained for standard military and law enforcement duties. Tasks include bomb detection and search-and-rescue operations. The project leverages Lamm's prior work in de-extinction, such as the dire wolf, and Luckey's recent contracts for battlefield intelligence systems with the US Army and Palantir.