Anduril Industries, a prominent Silicon Valley defence tech firm, has faced recent setbacks with its Altius and Ghost drones, raising questions about the gap between its battlefield claims and actual performance. These incidents highlight the challenges of adapting to modern warfare, where cheap, mass-produced drones have become central.
In a series of tests at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida earlier this month, two Altius drones, a winged model designed for surveillance and capable of carrying munitions, crashed. According to an Air Force test summary, one drone nosedived 8,000 feet into the ground, while another spiralled to earth during a separate test. These failures, though previously undisclosed, underscore the complexities of developing and deploying advanced drone technology.
Anduril has positioned itself as a key player in the defence sector, with its valuation surging to $30.5 billion since late 2022. The company has been vocal about the success of its Altius drones, claiming they have “taken out hundreds of millions of dollars worth of Russian targets” and have been deployed extensively in Ukraine. However, the recent test failures and challenges faced by its Ghost drone program paint a more nuanced picture.
The Ghost drone, a miniature helicopter-like drone used for reconnaissance, has also encountered difficulties. Early models sent to Ukraine struggled with Russian electronic warfare, frustrating Ukrainian soldiers. Anduril acknowledged these challenges, stating that initial models faced issues with terrain and satellite-based navigation systems. The company has since introduced an updated model, the Ghost X, which it claims has addressed earlier problems.
Despite these setbacks, Anduril remains optimistic about its future. The company has a rapidly growing portfolio of weapons systems in development, including an autonomous warship co-developed with Hyundai and the “Fury,” a large drone designed to fly alongside manned fighter jets. Anduril’s founder, Palmer Luckey, emphasized the company’s commitment to moving fast and delivering effective solutions to those in need.
The broader defence industry is also grappling with the need to adapt to the evolving battlefield. The war in Ukraine has highlighted the importance of cheap, mass-produced drones, challenging the traditional focus on costly, world-class systems. Anduril’s experiences underscore the necessity for continuous innovation and adaptation in this rapidly changing landscape.
Shannon Prior, an Anduril spokesperson, defended the company’s approach, stating that test failures are a natural part of the development process. She emphasized that Anduril is constantly pushing its systems to the limit to learn, iterate, and improve. The company has also posted a blog detailing testing issues related to the Altius and Ghost drones, as well as its command and control software, Lattice, acknowledging that failures are an essential part of the development process.
As the defence sector continues to evolve, Anduril’s experiences serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in developing and deploying advanced drone technology. The company’s ability to learn from these setbacks and adapt will be crucial in shaping its future in the defence industry.