COLUMBUS, Ohio — January 2025 — Now that Anduril industries is coming to Pickaway County people are asking who they are and what they do
Anduril Industries, Inc., an American defense technology company, is making waves in the military and defense sectors with its cutting-edge autonomous systems. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the inventor behind the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset, Anduril is revolutionizing the way defense technology is developed and deployed. The company specializes in creating advanced products, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS), counter-UAS (CUAS), autonomous surveillance systems, and networked command and control software.
Anduril’s vision is to bring modern, tech-driven solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense, combining artificial intelligence, robotics, and surveillance systems to enhance national security. Their major products include semi-portable autonomous surveillance towers and drones capable of gathering intelligence in real-time.
The company’s journey began when Luckey, along with co-founder Trae Stephens, saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between Silicon Valley and the defense industry. After collaborating with former colleagues from Palantir, the tech company known for its data analytics in defense, Anduril was born. Its name, derived from the legendary sword “Andúril” from The Lord of the Rings, symbolizes the company’s ambition to fight for a better, more efficient approach to defense.
Anduril’s early successes came with significant government contracts, starting with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). In 2018, the company began testing its Lattice surveillance towers, which were deployed to improve border security and later expanded to various locations in Texas and San Diego. These towers, which can be remotely operated, proved to be an essential tool in monitoring sensitive areas and have been adopted by military forces around the world.
The company’s innovation extends beyond surveillance systems. In 2020, Anduril entered a $25 million contract with CBP for the deployment of autonomous sentry towers, and by the end of the year, the company’s valuation had skyrocketed to over $2 billion. It was also selected to contribute to the U.S. Air Force’s Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), a project worth up to $950 million that aims to revolutionize the way the military manages data and operations.
Anduril’s push into autonomous weaponry reached new heights with its acquisition of the rocket engine company Adranos in 2023, positioning the company to develop missile and space-launch capabilities. The company also acquired Blue Force Technologies, which specializes in autonomous aircraft, further expanding its reach into defense applications.
One of the company’s most notable advancements is its Altius-700M, a highly effective autonomous drone system that underwent successful live warhead testing in late 2023. The Altius system, which demonstrates precision and efficacy in combat situations, positions Anduril as a key player in the future of autonomous weapons and military robotics.
In 2024, Anduril secured significant contracts with the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army, focusing on collaborative combat aircraft and robotic combat vehicles. The company’s progress has not gone unnoticed by international governments either, as Anduril continues to expand its global footprint with contracts in the UK and other nations.
However, Anduril’s rapid growth has attracted some controversy. In 2024, the Chinese government imposed sanctions on the company and its executives due to its involvement in arms sales related to Taiwan. Despite this, Anduril’s influence in the defense industry remains strong, with its valuation reaching an impressive $14 billion following a major funding round in August 2024.
Anduril’s approach to defense technology—leveraging artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and cutting-edge software—marks a paradigm shift in the industry. As the company continues to grow, it is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of warfare and security technology, making it a key player in the evolving landscape of defense innovation.
