Anduril’s self-operating weapon systems face challenges during trials and real-world use, according to the WSJ

Setbacks Plague Anduril Industries' Autonomous Weapons Testing

Recent coverage from the Wall Street Journal reveals that Anduril Industries, a defense technology startup, has encountered significant difficulties while trialing its autonomous weapon platforms. Among the reported incidents are over a dozen drone boats that malfunctioned during a U.S. Navy exercise off the coast of California in May, prompting sailors to raise concerns about safety risks and the possibility of casualties. Additionally, a mechanical malfunction during a summer ground test led to engine damage in Anduril’s unmanned Fury jet fighter, and a test of the Anvil counter-drone system in Oregon last August sparked a fire that scorched 22 acres.

Company Background and Military Contracts

Anduril was established in 2017 by Palmer Luckey and secured $2.5 billion in funding this June, reaching a valuation of $30.5 billion with support from Founders Fund, one of its early backers. The company has landed several defense contracts, including projects focused on autonomous aircraft and anti-drone technologies.

Challenges in Real-World Deployment

According to the Journal, Anduril’s performance in active conflict zones has also been troubled. Ukrainian SBU security service personnel reported that Altius loitering drones supplied by Anduril frequently crashed and failed to strike intended targets. These persistent problems led Ukrainian forces to discontinue use of the drones in 2024, with no deployments since. Despite these setbacks, Anduril asserts that such obstacles are a normal part of weapons development, emphasizing that its engineering team continues to make significant advancements and that these incidents do not reflect fundamental issues with its technology.