JERUSALEM (VINnews) – Palmer Luckey, the founder of U.S. defense technology company Anduril Industries, conducted a secret two-day visit to Israel earlier this week, meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior defense officials, according to Israeli media reports citing TheMarker.

The purpose of the visit, which was not publicly disclosed at the time, remains unclear. Sources familiar with the meetings told outlets including Haaretz and Calcalist that Luckey may have explored potential business partnerships with Israeli defense firms and startups, as well as opportunities to market Anduril’s products to Israel’s defense establishment.

Luckey, a self-described “radical Zionist,” also held discussions with executives at major Israeli defense companies and emerging defense-tech ventures during the trip.

Anduril Industries, founded by Luckey — the Oculus VR creator — has emerged as a major disruptor in the military technology sector. The company focuses on autonomous systems, artificial intelligence and advanced drones, challenging established giants such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman and RTX.

Anduril develops revolutionary tools independently and pitches them directly to the U.S. armed forces, operating with the speed and efficiency of a startup rather than the bureaucratic processes common among traditional defense contractors.

A key focus of Anduril’s work is redefining aerial warfare through large, jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These drones’ capabilities are gradually approaching those of manned fighter jets.

The company’s “Fury” unmanned warplane, designated YFQ-44A, is designed as a “loyal wingman” to operate alongside crewed aircraft such as the F-22, F-35, F-15EX and future platforms. Under this concept, a manned fighter acts as a mothership or command post, with the pilot directing a fleet of AI-enabled unmanned jets for air-to-air combat and other missions. This model represents a transitional step toward fully autonomous aerial warfare.

While details of the discussions between Netanyahu and Luckey were not disclosed, observers suggest the meetings could pave the way for significant collaborations in defense technology in the coming years. Anduril is currently pursuing a valuation of around $60 billion amid rapid growth in the sector.

No official statements were issued by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, Anduril or U.S. defense authorities regarding the visit.