Anduril and Qualcomm have announced a partnership to build a new line of laptops called BlueChip, set to launch in early 2027. The first model is a ruggedized prototype built around Arm-based Snapdragon X series chips and intended for the US military.
The long-term goal of the joint venture is a laptop made entirely in the United States, though the companies acknowledge that will take time. Computer supply chains typically span China, Taiwan and many other countries, so the initial BlueChip machines will be described only as "designed and assembled in the United States," according to Anduril's press release. Assembly is planned at Anduril's Arsenal-1 facility in Ohio.
Few specifics were offered on how the companies will build enough domestic manufacturing capacity for a fully American-made device. In a virtual Q&A with reporters, Anduril founder Palmer Luckey and Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon described the reasoning in familiar terms: keeping money in the country, creating jobs, reducing economic and technological dependence on other nations, and lowering national security risks.
Asked what share of the laptop's components would be made in the US at launch, Luckey answered, "TBD. . Those questions are not settled." He said the display glass, the frame around the display and parts of the ribbon component are planned to be American-made from the start. "I think most likely the thing that we ship is not going to be 100-percent American," he said. That suggests the first model will fall well short of the 65-percent threshold needed to qualify as American-made under federal procurement rules. A promotional image supplied by Anduril nonetheless shows hardware stamped with "Built in America."
On the processors, Amon told The Verge that Qualcomm intends to manufacture the chips for the laptop at TSMC Arizona. When asked how much Qualcomm is investing in that effort, a company communications representative, Yelena Tebcherani, said, "We don't have any more details to share at the moment."
The first intended customer is the US military, the same as for Anduril's drones. The prototype is designed for military personnel and includes a carrying handle similar to a rifle strap. It will run Windows or one of two Linux versions that have not been named.
Luckey said BlueChip is funded entirely by Anduril and Qualcomm rather than by government subsidies. He said the company is starting with a military laptop to serve users with the most demanding hardware and software security needs. Following the government and defense sectors, Anduril plans to target first responders and public safety, with consumer laptops last on the list. "I'd say the worst case here is that this is going to be a low volume laptop for critical industries and government needs that desperately need something like this to exist," Luckey said.
Luckey is a controversial figure, and Anduril is better known for drones and autonomous weapons. Rebuilding a computer supply chain in the US and eventually producing a fully American-made laptop is a tall order, and the profile of the company and its founder adds further complexity.
Correction, October 27: Luckey is Anduril's founder, not its CEO, as the original report initially stated.
