First gene-edited military dogs expected to debut in 2027
A $200 million venture led by Ben Lamm and Palmer Luckey aims to clone elite canines with reduced genetic health risks and new protective gear.
By Luana Sato ·
Service dogs in the United States will soon be born with specific genetic modifications designed to reduce common breed-related health issues. A startup named Warhound has raised $200 million to build these animals for the US military. The first batch is scheduled to be born in early 2027. These dogs will be trained for standard duties, including bomb detection and search-and-rescue operations.
Warhound is a joint effort involving Ben Lamm of Colossal Biosciences and Palmer Luckey of Anduril. The company has already started editing the genes of cell samples taken from a group of donor dogs. These donors were top-performing military, police, and first responder canines across the United States. The breeds included in the initial group were mostly Belgian Malinois, along with some labradors and shepherds. Scientists at Colossal Biosciences will modify the genes and then clone the animals.
The initial research focuses on lowering the odds that the dogs develop hip dysplasia and certain cancers. Lamm told TechCrunch that further enhancements could follow. Future genetic changes might make the animals faster and more agile, or sharpen their sense of smell. Lamm told Wired that the company has begun the genetic editing process on the cell samples.
Luckey is a partner in the business but does not hold a stake in Warhound. His company Anduril is responsible for designing the equipment and software that will protect the animals. This includes goggles, vests, and body armor. Colossal Biosciences holds equity in the startup, and Lamm sits on the board. David Spirk, who most recently worked at Palantir, serves as the CEO of Warhound.
Both founders have prominent backgrounds in technology and biotech. Luckey founded Oculus VR and designed the Oculus Rift headset. Anduril partnered with OpenAI in 2024 to develop artificial intelligence for the Pentagon. It also won a US Army contract to build the service's next-generation battlefield intelligence system alongside Palantir. Lamm's Colossal Biosciences is known for de-extinction efforts, including work on the dire wolf and the woolly mammoth.
Warhound does not appear to be planning cyborg dogs at this stage. The focus remains on biological improvements and protective gear. The company expects to deliver the first genetically engineered dogs in early 2027. These animals will undergo training for the types of jobs working dogs already perform today.
