Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

San Francisco Startup to Produce 50,000 Military Robots

12/18/2025

40 8

Summary

Story summary

Foundation, a San Francisco–based startup, plans to produce up to 50,000 Phantom MK-1 robots by the end of 2027.
The 5'9", 180-pound Phantom MK-1s will assist in reconnaissance and bomb disposal and may carry weapons.
Foundation CEO Sankaet Pathak says the system uses a human-in-the-loop model and leasing runs about $100,000 per year.
Concerns persist that these robots could lower political barriers to military action.

1 of 1

Story summary

Foundation, a San Francisco–based startup, plans to produce up to 50,000 Phantom MK-1 robots by the end of 2027.
The 5'9", 180-pound Phantom MK-1s will assist in reconnaissance and bomb disposal and may carry weapons.
Foundation CEO Sankaet Pathak says the system uses a human-in-the-loop model and leasing runs about $100,000 per year.
Concerns persist that these robots could lower political barriers to military action.