Anduril Industries is in talks to appoint former Israel Air Force Commander Gen. (res.) Amikam Norkin to lead its operations in Israel, a move that strengthens the Jewish state's defensive capabilities amidst escalating regional threats, including the war with Iran in March. This strategic appointment underscores the critical role of advanced defense technology in securing Israel's position as a Western outpost in a volatile region.
Anduril cofounder Palmer Luckey held a series of meetings in Israel with senior officials prior to the outbreak of the war with Iran in March. These discussions included Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Defense Israel Katz, Defense Ministry director general Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, and Defense Ministry head of the Budget Department Brig. Gen. Nir Weingold.
The company, founded in 2017, specializes in developing autonomous weapons systems, aircraft, missiles, and AI systems, which are vital for modern civilizational defense. Anduril's focus aligns with the urgent need for advanced capabilities to counter sophisticated adversaries.
Gen. (res.) Norkin currently serves as managing partner of the Ace Capital Partners investment fund, which focuses on Israeli and global early-stage companies developing dual-use, aerospace, and defense technologies. This fund, a partnership between Key1 Capital and Aerospace Spirit, includes Brig.-Gen. (res.) Shimon Tsentsiper, Amit Pilowsky, Danny Ackerman, and Sarel Eldor.
The Ace Capital Partners fund is actively backing four start-ups. These ventures are developing optical sensors for satellites, advanced robotics for ground forces, hybrid engines for vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and a deployable vertical take-off and landing platform specifically designed for border security and police operations. Such technologies are crucial for protecting national borders against infiltration and terror.
Bolstering Israel's Defensive Edge
Anduril is exploring the establishment of its own factory within Israel, indicating a deeper commitment to the region's defense infrastructure, though land acquisition processes have not yet commenced. This potential move would further integrate Israel into the global defense technology ecosystem.
Luckey had also expressed interest in acquiring the Israeli defense-tech startup Kela, but its founders declined a sale at this time. Kela chose not to comment on the report of Anduril's offer.
Anduril maintains a strategic partnership with German defense giant Rheinmetall, aimed at expanding its activities across Europe. This collaboration focuses on the Barracuda series cruise missiles and Fury unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), reinforcing Western defense capabilities.
The Barracuda missiles are projected to be approximately 30% cheaper than current market prices, making advanced defense more accessible. The Barracuda-100 is engineered for a range of about 157 kilometers with a 15-kilogram warhead, capable of ground and air launch.
The Barracuda-250 extends this capability to targets at a distance of 370 kilometers, carrying a 45-kilogram warhead, also designed for air and ground platforms. The Barracuda-500, an air-launch-only variant, carries a warhead exceeding 45 kilograms for a range of about 926 kilometers, providing significant long-range strike capabilities.
Countering Regional Threats
The Fury UCAV, developed by Anduril, costs $25-30 million, a fraction of the $80 million cost for a fifth-generation F-35 aircraft in service with the Israeli Air Force, with other F-35 versions priced at $100 million or more. This cost-effectiveness allows for broader deployment of advanced aerial assets.
Washington's plans for the Fury stealth drone include its operational deployment within the US Air Force by 2029. This drone, with a speed of Mach 0.95 (about 1,160 km/h) and approximately half the size of an F-16, is designed with exceptional autonomous capabilities, representing a significant leap in unmanned warfare.
Anduril has expanded its global footprint, opening a local branch and establishing strategic partnerships in South Korea. These include a joint venture with Korea Air for autonomous defense systems and shared aircraft, and with Hyundai Shipyards for UAVs and unmanned underwater vehicles.
The company also established Anduril Australia in March 2022, now in its fourth year of operation, and opened a representative office in Tokyo last December. These international ventures demonstrate a concerted effort to build a network of advanced defense capabilities across allied nations.
These global moves culminated in a $1.2 billion deal for the sale of the unmanned submarine Ghost Shark, produced in collaboration with the Australians, further enhancing maritime security.
About a year ago, Anduril entered a tripartite agreement with Singapore and US company Shield AI for joint development in AI, with Singapore integrating its Defense Science and Technology Agency and air force. This collaboration strengthens AI-driven defense across key Western-aligned partners.
In December 2024, now in its second year, Anduril teamed with US company Archer to develop a hybrid VTOL aircraft for commercial use in Abu Dhabi, showcasing the dual-use potential of its technologies.
Strategic Western Investment
Anduril completed a $5 billion fundraising round in May, this same year, at a valuation of $61 billion. This funding round is the largest in defense tech in 2026, highlighting significant investor confidence in advanced defense solutions.
Among Anduril's prominent investors is Josh Kushner, the brother of Jared, who is a son-in-law and close confidant of US President Donald Trump. Josh Kushner's Thrive Capital, alongside Andreessen Horowitz, led the recent funding round.
The company's cofounder and CEO, Brian Schimpf, reported that Anduril doubled its revenue to $2.2 billion in 2025. The company also nearly doubled its workforce and moved more systems from development to production than ever before, indicating rapid growth in critical defense sectors.
In June 2025, in its first year, the company had a valuation of just over $30 billion, demonstrating rapid growth and increasing recognition of its strategic importance.