Anduril Industries, a defense technology company specializing in AI, machine learning and automation, has hired retired Lt. Gen. L. Neil Thurgood as its senior vice president. Thurgood, who was the first director of the US Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, will lead Anduril’s expansion into Huntsville, Alabama, and shape its business strategy to deliver counter-unmanned air systems, air and missile defense, tactical weapons and mission systems, and command and control capabilities. Anduril has won contracts with the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and US Special Operations Command and has supplied equipment to Ukraine, including its Ghost loitering munition.

As detailed in Defense News, Anduril Industries, a defense technology company that specializes in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation, has hired retired Lt. Gen. L. Neil Thurgood as senior vice president. Thurgood is the former director of the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO), where he oversaw the rapid development and delivery of the service’s most critical technologies, including hypersonic and laser weapons, counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) capabilities, and even hybrid-electric combat vehicle prototypes.

Anduril said Thurgood will lead the company’s expansion into Huntsville, Alabama, near Redstone Arsenal, home to the Army’s program executive offices for missiles and space and aviation, the service’s Space and Missile Defense Command, and the RCCTO. Thurgood will shape Anduril’s business strategy to help deliver critical company priorities, such as counter-UAS systems, air and missile defense, tactical weapons and mission systems, and command and control capabilities.

Thurgood told Defense News he sees a match between Anduril’s technologies and the program offices at Redstone Arsenal, such as aviation and missiles and space. Christian Brose, Anduril’s chief strategy officer, told Defense News Thurgood is “a critical addition” to the company as it becomes “a bigger company, focused on production, manufacturing, all the things that we are now tasked with doing at real scale.”

Anduril has won contracts with the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and U.S. Special Operations Command and has supplied equipment to Ukraine, including its Ghost loitering munition. The company is preparing to send its Altius UAS to the country. Anduril has also acquired Dive Technologies, Area-I, and Copious Imaging. While originally focused on force protection such as counter-UAS and base defense solutions, the company is expanding its offerings to include larger-scale production, program management, and capability delivery in support of government partners.

Thurgood’s experience in leading the development of critical defense technologies and his knowledge of the Army’s program offices make him a valuable addition to Anduril’s team. His leadership will help the company expand its offerings and deliver on critical company priorities. Anduril’s focus on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation positions it to be a major player in the defense technology industry. With Thurgood on board, the company is well-positioned to continue its growth and deliver innovative solutions to its government partners.