US Robotics Firm Linked to Trump Family in Talks to Supply IDF with Hamas Tunnel Robots

A US robotics company, reportedly with investments from Eric Trump, claims to be in discussions with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to supply up to 1,000 humanoid robots for operations within Hamas's tunnel network in Gaza. The robots are intended for tasks such as detecting booby traps and performing dangerous missions, thereby reducing risk to soldiers. However, Israeli officials have not confirmed these discussions, and no contract has been signed.

The company, Foundation Future Industries based in San Francisco, is developing its Phantom series of robots. Its president, Mike LeBlanc, a former US Marine, told the Financial Times that he met with senior IDF officers in September for initial talks and even toured Gaza tunnels accompanied by a Phantom MK1 robot. LeBlanc stated that the company is in direct talks with the IDF Chief of Staff regarding the potential supply of up to 1,000 robots.

While the company envisions future combat applications, the current capabilities are still in development and have not been independently verified in combat conditions. The IDF referred inquiries to the Ministry of Defense, which declined to comment. Reports vary, with the Financial Times describing initial contacts and The Telegraph suggesting Israel is expected to purchase the robots, though no agreed price was reported.

Eric Trump is an investor in Foundation Future Industries and serves as its chief strategic advisor. LeBlanc stated the company has received over $70 million in contracts and funding from the US military, a claim not independently verified. The business connections have drawn criticism, with Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Both Trump's spokesperson and LeBlanc deny that Trump's involvement aided the company in securing contracts.

Concerns about the robots' technological readiness persist. A BBC investigation in June described the Phantom MK1 as a developmental system, noting issues like a lack of internal battery, susceptibility to dust and water, and an inability to self-right after falling. A more advanced model, the Phantom MK2, is reportedly under development with improved battery life and durability, but these are stated goals, not verified performance metrics. The company did send two MK1 robots for trials in Ukraine in February to test various military uses, including weapon deployment, but this does not confirm readiness for operational deployment in Gaza's tunnels.