UPDATE: Palmer Luckey, founder of defense startup Anduril, has unveiled a critical internal strategy dubbed “China 27,” anticipating a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan as early as 2027. In a recent episode of the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, Luckey emphasized the urgency of preparing for a potential conflict that could reshape geopolitical dynamics.
Luckey’s remarks come amid escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait, where the Chinese government views Taiwan as a breakaway province. He stated, “The idea is that anything we are working on, anything that we are investing in, needs to be built with the assumption that sometime in 2027, China is going to move on Taiwan.” This stark prediction raises alarms about the implications for regional security and military readiness.
The defense industry is watching closely as Luckey acknowledged the possibility of being incorrect about China’s timeline. However, he expressed concerns over investing in weapon systems that would arrive too late. “Wouldn’t I feel pretty stupid if there’s a gigantic fight and I’ve spent all my money on something that wasn’t ready in time?” he asked.
Luckey further elaborated that a full-scale invasion might not be China’s preferred approach. Instead, he suggests a blockade could be more likely, posing a significant threat to Taiwan. He stated, “The best way to deter that is for Taiwan to have the things that make them a very prickly porcupine.” This includes advanced missile systems and sea mining capabilities to thwart any blockade attempts.
In a bold move, Luckey disclosed that he personally delivered “a bunch of missiles and weapon systems” to Taiwan just weeks ago, specifically designed to counter a possible Chinese invasion. He urged the United States to adopt a supportive role without direct military engagement, advocating for the U.S. to become “the world’s gun store” to equip allies effectively.
“And, what do you need to do to be a good gun store?” Luckey queried. “You got to keep stuff in stock. You got to keep things on the shelves.” His comments highlight a shift in U.S. military strategy, as the country seeks to bolster its allies while avoiding direct confrontations.
Anduril has been gaining traction in the defense sector, challenging traditional contractors. U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll indicated at the Association of the United States Army meeting on October 13 that the Army is moving towards a more startup-friendly procurement process. This shift aims to disrupt longstanding practices that have benefitted major defense contractors.
In a strategic partnership, Meta announced in May its collaboration with Anduril to develop next-generation extended reality gear for military applications. This project, funded through private capital, aims to save the U.S. military billions, reflecting a significant evolution in military technology.
On October 13, Anduril showcased its new product line, EagleEye, which includes advanced helmets and visors capable of overlaying critical battlefield data, enhancing situational awareness for soldiers.
Additionally, Anduril has made headlines with a recent $642 million contract with the U.S. Marine Corps for anti-drone technologies, further solidifying its position in the defense market. Valued at $30.5 billion as of June, Anduril is poised to reshape the future of military operations.
As tensions rise and geopolitical stakes grow, all eyes are on Palmer Luckey and Anduril’s “China 27” strategy. The world awaits further developments as the situation evolves, underscoring the urgency for preparedness in the face of potential conflict.
