Introduction to Joe Lonsdale:
Joe Lonsdale is a prominent figure in the technology and defense industries, notably recognized for co-founding Palantir Technologies. His work has significantly influenced data platforms for national security. Through his venture firm, 8VC, Lonsdale continues to drive innovation in AI, cybersecurity, and battlefield intelligence. In an insightful interview on the Shawn Ryan Show, Lonsdale discussed the transformative impact of drones on modern warfare.
This article will close with insights from Bernard Hudson, the former Chief of Counterterrorism at the CIA, who will provide a unique perspective on the intersection of technology, security, and leadership.
Joe Lonsdale on Drones and Defense:
On the New Jersey Drone Situation:
In recent weeks, New Jersey has become the scene of a mysterious phenomenon involving numerous drone sightings across the state, sparking both public concern and speculation. These drones, observed by residents and reported in various media outlets, have been seen flying over critical infrastructure, leading to heightened security measures and demands for explanations from both local and federal officials. Lonsdale commented on this incident, stating, “This is funny. We were going to be at the Army-Navy game, and I’m bummed because I’ll probably find out tomorrow from all these guys. I’m sure they know, but I haven’t texted him to ask. If it’s not ours, then it’s incompetent. If this is ours, then it’s also kind of weird. Why are we doing this and freaking people out? But if it’s not ours, what the heck, man?” He further speculated on the competence of government operations, “I assume it’s ours because if it’s not, that’s insane. Why would they fly it over, why wouldn’t they fly this over like Area 51 or some testing grounds? What I’ve found out about the government is that there are some really great people, some amazing Special Forces guys, and every once in a while in the DoD, you’ll have this genius person in the strategy group. But then, the vast majority of them are incompetent. So it’s hard for me to say, but I’m hoping they’re ours because if they’re not ours, that’s actually a little bit scary and it’s really incompetent that we’re not doing something.”
On Drone Warfare:
Lonsdale is clear about the future trajectory of warfare, asserting, “Drone warfare is becoming obviously very prevalent, absolutely critical. This is the future of warfare: lots and lots of manufactured, smart, weaponized, autonomous drones, whether they’re flying, on the water, under the water, or on land. That is the future of warfare, as far as I’m concerned.”
On Epirus and Directed Energy Weapons:
Discussing his involvement with Epirus, Lonsdale said, “You founded Epirus, yeah, and Epirus is a directed energy, basically a directed EMP weapon, and it seems to me from the reading I’ve done on it that it’s defense against drones. Epirus is a really important company, and I’m proud to be a co-founder there.” He detailed the strategic rationale behind Epirus, “We decided to start Epirus first because the future of warfare seemed very clearly to be heading towards drone warfare, and it’s just not sustainable to fire missiles at drones. You’re spending a million dollars or $100,000 to shoot down something that costs a lot less than that, so you need a one-to-many effect; you need to be able to shoot cones of energy.”
He also shared technological insights, “The thing we realized with the help of some really smart people like Bo and Nathan is that the chips in Silicon Valley had gotten so powerful and fast that they can help you control power on very small time scales, allowing you to hit the emitter and fire much farther than anyone else was doing.”
On the capabilities of Epirus’s technology, Lonsdale mentioned, “You’re now shooting things down from miles away. It’s not just the little tiny, like DJI drones or whatever they’re called; these are the big things that Iran’s making for Russia. We could take down quite a far distance away.” He concluded with an update on deployment, “Leonitis is the first version of the product being deployed with S Comm, and it’s actually going out in the next month, which is great. The tests have shown you could handle about 100 drones at a time.”
Related:
Drones in Modern Warfare:
Lonsdale emphasized that drones are set to dominate future military engagements due to their strategic advantages:
- Strategic Use: Drones offer a cost-effective and versatile approach to both reconnaissance and combat, adaptable across various environments.
- Technological Edge: Epirus’s innovations in drone defense highlight how new chip technologies can revolutionize electronic warfare, providing a significant advantage in controlling and neutralizing drone threats.
Epirus and Electronic Warfare:
- Innovation in Defense: Epirus’s technology not only defends against drone attacks but can also be used offensively to disable enemy electronics, creating strategic zones where enemy tech is compromised.
- Deployment Scenarios: This technology’s potential deployment on ships or aircraft could protect against drone swarms or support offensive operations by temporarily disabling enemy systems, showcasing the dual-use nature of electronic warfare.
Biblical Reflections on Prophetic Times:
In the tapestry of Biblical prophecy, the era depicted in Joe Lonsdale’s insights on warfare echoes the forewarnings of end times where “nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” (Matthew 24:7). The scripture speaks of technological marvels and conflicts that might resemble the drone-filled skies and innovative defenses of today’s world. With the rise of such sophisticated weaponry, one can’t help but ponder if we are witnessing the fulfillment of prophecies where the wisdom and ingenuity of humanity are harnessed in ways that could either herald peace or precipitate judgment, as described in the visions of Daniel and Revelation. These scriptures suggest a time when human advancements would reach a zenith, where the choice between using technology for redemption or destruction would profoundly define the era’s spiritual and moral landscape.
Joe Lonsdale’s insights paint a picture of an evolving battlefield where drones and counter-drone technologies will increasingly dictate the pace and style of warfare. His involvement with companies like Epirus underscores the critical intersection of technology and defense strategy in shaping future conflicts.
Tucker Carlson Interviews Bernard Hudson on Drone Technology
In a recent interview on Tucker Carlson Today, Tucker Carlson spoke with Bernard Hudson, the former Chief of Counterterrorism at the CIA, about the evolving role of drones in warfare and their implications for both national security and civilian life. The conversation shed light on the potential threats posed by drones, their revolutionary applications, and the pressing need for regulation.
Drones as a Weapon: A Growing Threat
Carlson opened the discussion by asking Hudson if hostile actors could effectively use drones against the United States. Hudson’s response was unequivocal:
“Yes, absolutely. The U.S. has little defense against a coordinated drone attack,” he stated, emphasizing that drones have “democratized air power.”
Hudson pointed to Ukraine as a key example, where inexpensive drones have been used to destroy expensive Russian military equipment. He warned that even sophisticated air defense systems like the Patriot missile system could be overwhelmed by a swarm of drones. “Patriot systems weren’t designed for this kind of threat,” Hudson explained, highlighting the growing vulnerability to this technology.
Smaller Drones: A Greater Concern
When Carlson asked about larger drones carrying significant payloads, Hudson clarified that smaller drones pose a much bigger risk:
“They’re cheap, precise, and hard to defend against,” he said, adding that Ukraine has demonstrated their effectiveness in targeting tanks and ships. Hudson described small drones as a “game-changer” in modern warfare due to their affordability and versatility.
Civilian Applications: Revolutionary but Risky
Shifting to the civilian sector, Carlson inquired about the potential applications of drones in everyday life. Hudson explained that drones could transform policing and surveillance:
“In the near future, police might use drones for routine traffic stops or tactical surveillance,” he said. However, this prospect raises significant concerns about privacy and civil liberties. “Drones could enable blanket surveillance over cities, storing data indefinitely,” Hudson warned.
AI Drones in the Sky: Recording Every Movement and Action While
Coordinating with AI Robots on the Ground to Create Permanent Community Records
The Civil Liberties Nightmare
Carlson labeled this vision a “civil liberties nightmare,” and Hudson agreed, elaborating on the risks of unchecked drone technology.
“The technology already exists, and the potential for abuse is enormous,” Hudson said. He cautioned that governments could use drones to track people’s movements, monitor their daily patterns, and create vast archives of surveillance data.
The Need for Regulation
When asked if anyone is addressing these concerns, Hudson noted that some voices are advocating for oversight but stressed that progress is lagging.
“We’re far behind,” Hudson said, emphasizing the urgent need for clear regulations. He suggested measures such as requiring warrants to access stored drone data as a starting point. Without proper oversight, Hudson warned, “we risk losing fundamental freedoms.”
Final Thoughts
Carlson closed the interview by reflecting on the chilling implications of Hudson’s insights, thanking him for his expertise.
“It’s chilling to think about,” Carlson said. “Thank you for your insights.”
Hudson replied, “My pleasure.”
This interview underscores the dual-edged nature of drone technology. While drones hold tremendous potential to revolutionize various sectors, their misuse could pose significant threats to security, privacy, and civil liberties. The conversation serves as a call to action for policymakers to address these emerging challenges before they escalate further.