Palmer Luckey and Ben Lamm want to make superdogs for the military
Theatergoers have been fans of the line “Cry ‘Havoc!’, and let slip the dogs of war” since 1599. Now venture capitalists are coming around to the phrase. A new startup called Warhound has emerged from stealth with $200 million in funding to genetically engineer dogs for the U.S. military and equip them with high-tech gear. Its founders call it a modernization of America’s military working-dog…
In 1599, a line from a play captured the idea of unleashing dogs in battle, "Cry 'Havoc!', and let slip the dogs of war." Now, venture capitalists are investing in a new startup, Warhound, which aims to genetically engineer dogs for the U.S. military. The company, founded by Ben Lamm and Palmer Luckey, has secured $200 million in funding.
Warhound's founders believe it represents a modernization of the military working-dog program. Both Lamm and Luckey have backgrounds in genetic modification and warfare. Lamm is a co-founder of Colossal, known for its attempts to "de-extinct" animal species, while Luckey co-founded defense technology company Anduril Industries and Oculus VR.
Warhound seeks to improve the performance of military dogs by genetically modifying existing breeds, such as Belgian Malinois, Labradors, and shepherds. The company plans to clone these dogs and edit their genes to enhance their abilities. The first litter of genetically modified puppies is expected in 2027. Warhound's dogs will be equipped with body armor, eye and ear protection, and advanced cybernetic augmentations.
The founders emphasize that this effort aligns with the Trump administration's focus on domestic production, as most U.S. military dogs currently come from Europe, creating a dependency on foreign nations.
The initiative addresses high failure rates among military dogs, which can result from poor eyesight, health issues, or other factors. Through gene editing, Warhound aims to improve traits like speed and sense of smell, which are vital for bomb detection and hazard identification. The founders emphasize that their goal is not to create a new dog breed but to enhance the performance of existing breeds.
Warhound is working with the American Humane Society to ensure animal welfare is prioritized throughout the process. David Spirk, a Marine Corps veteran, will serve as the company's CEO, and Colossal holds equity in the business.
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