Warhound, a new venture launched by Ben Lamm of Colossal Biosciences and Palmer Luckey of Anduril, has raised $200 million to develop genetically engineered war dogs equipped with advanced military technology. The company, which emerged from stealth on October 22, 2026, received backing from prominent investors including Sequoia, 8VC, Corner Ventures, and In-Q-Tel, valuing Warhound at $1.2 billion. These engineered dogs are intended to support the U.S. military, law enforcement, and emergency responders by undertaking high-risk or complex tasks such as bomb detection and search operations.

The founders highlighted a pressing supply issue: over 80% of working military dogs in the U.S. are sourced from Europe, and fewer than half are deemed fit for duty. Warhound’s approach involves using Colossal’s gene-editing technology to enhance traits like health, agility, olfactory sensing, and longevity by studying breeds like the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd. The project aims to create dogs that outperform traditional working dogs by addressing hereditary health problems while increasing desirable operational capabilities.

In addition to genetic enhancements, Anduril will integrate software and hardware improvements like bulletproof vests fitted with sensors and tactical goggles to improve situational awareness and safety for the dogs and their handlers. These augmentations, designed to be external rather than genetic, provide real-time data and protection to further boost the war dogs’ effectiveness in the field. The first generation of engineered dogs is expected to be cloned and born early next year, with deployment anticipated within two years.

Warhound plans to market these dogs primarily to government and defense agencies, including military service groups and police forces. The company is working with the American Humane Society to ensure ethical training and welfare standards, with commitments to rehome retired dogs through established programs. Although Palmer Luckey is a strategic partner, he holds no equity interest, while Colossal Biosciences supplies the foundational gene-editing tools and cloning expertise through its subsidiary Viagen, which boasts a high cloning success rate used in endangered species preservation efforts.