Defense technology startup Anduril Industries has faced a number of difficulties during the evaluation of its autonomous weaponry system, as reported by WSJ. The reported problems include over a dozen drone vessels that malfunctioned during a Navy drill in California in May, with sailors expressing concerns about “Anduril’s autonomous weapons” security lapses and potential risks to life; a mechanical failure that harmed the engine of Anduril’s unmanned fighter jet Fury during ground assessments in the summer; and a test of its Anvil counter-drone system in August that resulted in a fire covering 22 acres in Oregon.
Anduril’s autonomous weapons
Established in 2017 by Palmer Lucky, Anduril secured $2.5 billion in funding last June, achieving a valuation of $30.5 billion, with backing from Founders Fund, which supports the company’s growth. The firm has successfully obtained multiple military contracts, including projects aimed at creating autonomous aircraft and anti-drone systems.
