Palmer Luckey reflects on his journey from democratizing VR to advancing national security through Anduril, emphasizing mission-driven innovation over commercial incentives. He critiques stagnant defense procurement systems and advocates for revisiting abandoned ideas using first-principles thinking. Anduril prioritizes solving critical military problems where market failures exist, leveraging AI and automation to increase efficiency and reduce long-term costs. Luckey highlights the cultural shift needed in defense tech—focusing on speed, adaptability, and institutional trust—while avoiding crowded spaces dominated by incumbents. His approach combines retro inspiration with cutting-edge engineering, targeting transformative impact rather than incremental gains. On broader themes, he discusses the geopolitical stakes of technological leadership, arguing that democratic nations must innovate faster to counter autocratic models exporting surveillance and control. Ultimately, Luckey sees technology as a force multiplier for defense, not offense, and believes well-resourced, ethically guided development will determine the future balance of power.