Warhound Secures $200 Million to Develop Genetically Enhanced Canines for Defense

The U.S. military currently relies heavily on foreign sources for its working dog population. To address this dependency, a new venture named Warhound emerged from stealth mode on Thursday with a $200 million funding round.

The company was co-founded by Ben Lamm of Colossal Biosciences and Palmer Luckey of Anduril. Investors in the round include Sequoia, 8VC, Corner Ventures, and In-Q-Tel, a firm backed by U.S. intelligence agencies. This investment values the startup at $1.2 billion. The firm intends to use genetic engineering to create canines specifically suited for dangerous tasks that are difficult for machines or hazardous for human operators.

According to the launch announcement, more than 80 percent of the U.S. military's working dogs are imported from Europe, with less than half of those animals deemed fit for service. Lamm noted that many existing dogs fail training due to inherited issues such as poor eyesight, cancer, hip dysplasia, or muscle atrophy. The team is studying cell lines from top-performing breeds like the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd. They plan to edit these genes to enhance health, longevity, speed, and olfactory capabilities.

Anduril will provide the hardware and software components for the program. This includes protection vests and goggles equipped with data sensors. These tools are designed to improve situational awareness for both the dogs and their human handlers. Lamm described the gear as a way to make the animals safer and healthier beyond their genetic modifications, ensuring that enhancements protect the handlers as well.

Luckey serves as a partner in the venture but holds no equity. Colossal Biosciences owns a stake in the business and licenses its technology to Warhound. Colossal is currently known for its de-extinction projects and uses artificial intelligence in its gene cloning processes. Viagen, another company owned by Colossal, will partner with Warhound to clone the new dogs. Lamm stated that the first batch of clones is being incubated now, with births expected in early 2027 and active service beginning within two years.

The company has not yet determined the pricing for the canines but expects to sell to first responders, the Department of Defense, and police forces. Lamm confirmed that the company has briefed various government groups on its plans. To ensure civilian safety and ethical treatment, Warhound is working under the guidance of the American Humane Society. This organization will help certify the training program. The society also aims to integrate retired Warhound dogs into its Military Working Dog Reunification Program, which provides homes for retired military animals.