Warhound spends $200 million to clone elite dogs for the US military

Warhound has secured $200 million in funding to clone high-performing military working dogs and equip them with advanced protective technology. The venture is a collaboration between Ben Lamm of Colossal Biosciences and Palmer Luckey of Anduril. The company aims to produce a new generation of canines for defense and public safety roles by combining genetic engineering with specialized hardware.

The company began editing genes from cell samples taken from its first group of donor animals in late 2026. These samples were sourced from top-performing military, police, and first responder dogs across the United States. The primary breeds in the initial pool are Belgian Malinois, with some Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds included as well. Scientists at Colossal Biosciences are modifying the genetic material of these animals before the cloning process begins.

The initial phase of research targets the reduction of hereditary health issues common in these breeds. Lamm stated to Wired that the goal is to lower the odds of dogs developing hip dysplasia and certain cancers. He suggested to TechCrunch that future genetic modifications could enhance physical traits, such as speed, agility, and olfactory sensitivity. The first batch of genetically engineered dogs is expected to be born in early 2027.

Anduril is responsible for the equipment side of the operation, focusing on tools and software rather than biological changes. The company will design protective gear, including goggles, vests, and body armor, to shield the dogs during missions. Lamm noted that the plan is not to create cyborg dogs, but to provide them with robust support systems. The animals will be trained for standard working dog duties, such as bomb detection and search-and-rescue operations.

The leadership team includes David Spirk as CEO, who most recently worked at Palantir. Luckey serves as a partner in the business, but neither he nor Anduril holds an equity stake in the startup. Colossal Biosciences does hold equity, and Lamm sits on the company board. Luckey previously founded Oculus VR and designed the Oculus Rift headset. His defense firm Anduril partnered with OpenAI in 2024 to develop artificial intelligence for the Pentagon and won a US Army contract to build a next-generation battlefield intelligence system with Palantir.

Lamm’s Colossal Biosciences is also known for its de-extinction projects, including efforts to revive the dire wolf and the woolly mammoth. The Warhound project marks a shift from restoring extinct species to optimizing existing working breeds for modern military and civilian applications. The company will continue to refine the genetic and technological aspects of the program as the first litter approaches birth.