Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril Industries, proposes an unconventional future for warfare: subterranean operations. At the IMPACT 25 conference in early October, he argued that the underground landscape will become a pivotal domain for national defense in the 21st century. While many tech leaders focus on space, Luckey says that there is more potential beneath the Earth’s surface.
Subterranean Warfare: An Emerging Concept
Luckey shared his vision when asked whether he believed space would dominate future defense strategies. He stated, “I actually believe that the subterranean domain will be the defining space.” He highlighted the advantages of operating underground, suggesting that vehicles designed to maneuver through the Earth’s crust could offer strategic benefits similar to those of submarines.
Benefits of Underground Operations
Luckey explained that activities below the surface could be more discreet than those at sea or in the air. He asserted that “all of those benefits are massively compounded when you are in the crust of the Earth.” The ability to hide operations underground would complicate detection efforts significantly.
- Subterranean vehicles could provide stealth capabilities.
- Greater difficulty in targeting assets located deep underground.
- Potential for innovative military applications that are currently underexplored.
Industry Interest and Challenges
Despite his enthusiasm, Luckey mentioned that he has faced skepticism regarding his ideas. He has been developing working prototypes but is yet to disclose specifics. He acknowledged the need for a more engaging term than “subterranean warfare” to garner interest.
Luckey’s remarks were shared widely on social media platforms, eliciting mixed reactions. He referenced the importance of public perception, humorously retweeting a meme that questioned the seriousness of his comments.
Historical Context and Current Initiatives
The concept of subterranean warfare is not entirely new. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) conducted a Subterranean Challenge in late 2021 to research navigation technologies for robots operating underground. Additionally, Israel has been focusing on tunnel warfare in Gaza, a critical military concern in recent years.
The Media and Perception of Innovation
Luckey has openly criticized media portrayals of his work, feeling misrepresented by major outlets. He recently addressed the Wall Street Journal over its coverage of Anduril’s technology testing failures, accusing it of mischaracterizing the company’s progress.
Conclusion: The Future of Warfare?
As the conversation around subterranean warfare evolves, it raises questions about the directions in which military technology can develop. Although Palmer Luckey’s vision may seem unconventional, it highlights a potential shift in defense strategies. As discussions on underground military capabilities continue, the world will watch to see how these ideas unfold in the coming years.
