Startup Says It Is in Talks to Supply Robots to Israel

Foundation Future Industries says it is in direct discussions with senior Israeli military officials about potentially supplying as many as 1,000 Phantom MK1 humanoid robots for use in tunnels beneath Gaza. The company’s account, given by cofounder Mike LeBlanc, has not been confirmed publicly by the Israel Defense Forces, and no purchase agreement has been announced.

LeBlanc told the Financial Times that he was in direct talks with the IDF chief of staff. The proposed supply would place the robots in a role that could include patrolling tunnels and, according to the company, detecting trip wires, neutralising booby traps and potentially engaging in combat. Those described capabilities do not establish that the machines have been armed, bought or deployed.

Foundation Future Industries has described Phantom MK1 as a humanoid robot intended for industrial and military-related tasks. Reports cited differing approximate per-unit prices, but no confirmed purchase or total contract value was reported. The proposed quantity is a maximum under discussion, not a confirmed order.

The Israeli Defense Ministry declined to comment on the reported negotiations, according to one account. No...