Anduril Industries, known for its innovative defense technology, has recently introduced two new high-tech drones, the Bolt and Bolt-M. Unlike traditional hobbyist drones, these advanced models are designed for military operations, with the “M” in Bolt-M standing for “munitions,” capable of carrying a 3-pound payload of tactical ordnance.
Palmer Luckey, the founder of Oculus Rift, has firmly established Anduril Industries as a leader in the defense sector. With a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence, the company leverages its Lattice AI platform to power autonomous hardware. According to Anduril, “Lattice accelerates complex kill chains by orchestrating machine-to-machine tasks at scales and speeds beyond human capacity.”
The Bolt and Bolt-M are built to operate on the Lattice AI network, which also supports Anduril’s other cutting-edge defense technologies, such as swarm cruise missiles, underwater drones, and autonomous air vehicles. The drones are modular, compact, and easily deployable—an important asset in modern military operations. Specifically, the Bolt is a lightweight drone, weighing just 12 pounds, and can be deployed in under five minutes. Designed primarily for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, it offers a range of 12.4 miles and a 45-minute flight time, equipped with autonomous tracking features to follow targets even through obstructions.
The Bolt-M, on the other hand, is built for offensive operations with a modular design that allows it to carry munitions payloads. Its human operators have control over key decisions—such as where to look, what to follow, and how to engage the target—while the drone’s onboard vision and guidance systems handle the precise attack maneuvers. Depending on the mission, operators can swap warheads quickly, choosing between anti-personnel or anti-material ordnance.
As an extension of Anduril’s larger defense ecosystem, drones stay connected to the Lattice AI, continuously processing data from multiple sources, including other Anduril hardware. Even with munitions on board, the Bolt-M maintains a 40-minute flight time and a 12.4-mile range, with easily swappable batteries to extend operational endurance.
As stated on their website, Anduril promotes the concept of “Autonomous Hardware Meets Autonomy Software,” showing how machine-driven technologies are reshaping the battlefield.
