Quote:Anduril founder Palmer Luckey joins Defense Reporter Colin Demarest on The Axios Show to discuss the intersection of AI and modern defense, the reality of nuclear deterrence, and the escalating tensions in Iran. In this exclusive interview, Luckey dives into Anduril’s role in modern conflict and why he believes technology, not just manpower, is the decisive factor in the U.S. defense strategy. Timestamps: 00:00 - Teaser: Nuclear weapons and subterranean warfare 00:28 - Introduction: Palmer Luckey and Anduril Industries 01:01 - Defining Anduril's mission and culture 02:19 - Where is Anduril effective? (Ukraine, Middle East, Australia) 03:18 - Competing with defense giants (Lockheed, Boeing, Northrup) 04:24 - The "Caricature" of tech leaders and recruiting on social media 05:46 - Palmer's favorite project: Fury autonomous fighter jet 06:53 - Red lines on weapons: Nuclear, chemical or biological 08:48 - The debate on offensive autonomous weapons & supply chains 12:31 - Geopolitical strategy: Iran and "World Gun Store" doctrine 15:09 - Influential figures and honesty at the Pentagon 17:30 - Luckey says Gavin Newsom saved Anduril 19:02 - Scaling up: Arsenal 1 and going public 21:19 - Who is winning the AI race? (U.S. vs. China) 23:01 - The next frontier: Subterranean warfare 24:52 - Lightning Round: Hair, "Wolf Ears," and Evangelion