Anduril Industries, the AI-powered defense tech startup founded by Palmer Luckey—who left Facebook following his support for Donald Trump—is optimistic about renewed momentum under a potential second Trump administration. President Christian Bose said the company is aligned with the administration’s push for defense innovation and reform.
Speaking at the Australian International Air Show, Bose, a former adviser to Republican Senator John McCain, emphasized Anduril’s focus on affordable, autonomous defense systems. He noted these efforts "seemingly align with the assumptions and proclivities" of the Trump team, particularly as the Pentagon weighs $50 billion in budget adjustments aimed at modernizing capabilities rather than cutting defense spending outright.
Anduril, which partnered with OpenAI in December to bring advanced AI to national security missions, is rapidly expanding its global footprint. The company is constructing a major manufacturing hub in Ohio and exploring new facilities abroad, including potential production sites in Australia.
In collaboration with the Australian Defence Force, Anduril developed the Ghost Shark—an underwater autonomous vehicle. David Goodrich, CEO of Anduril Australia, said large-scale production plans are underway, with a facility in New South Wales being prepared in anticipation of upcoming contracts.
The developments come amid Australia's massive AUKUS-driven investment of over A$360 billion in nuclear-powered submarines. Bose emphasized the value of autonomous systems like Ghost Shark, which are faster to deploy, more scalable, and cost-efficient compared to traditional crewed submarines. "It's both, not either/or," he said, advocating for a hybrid defense strategy.
Bose also confirmed the company's ties with the Trump camp, noting Luckey’s longstanding support. “At the level of vibes, it’s good,” he said, reflecting Anduril’s bullish outlook on future defense opportunities driven by political change and AI innovation.