How AI will Change Warfare Forever | Mike Drop Episode 233 episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 31, 2025 · 2H 49M

How AI will Change Warfare Forever | Mike Drop Episode 233

from Mike Drop · host Mike Ritland

Ethan Thornton is the founder of MACH Industries, a next-generation defense technology and manufacturing company that's dedicated to redefining the future of modern combat through their hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and drone defense systems. A 21-year-old MIT dropout, Ethan left higher learning in 2023 after receiving a Thiel Fellowship from tech startup investor Peter Thiel (as well as placing on Forbes 30 under 30 list) to pursue working at MACH full-time. Considered by some to be a modern tech savant who shares the stage with the likes of Elon Musk or Marvel's fictional billionaire Tony Stark, Ethan's goal is to create more cost-effective and efficient defense systems by replacing traditional munitions with hydrogen-powered alternatives. He's also attracted significant attention for his work at the Department of Defense, with his innovative approach to crafting weapons systems like Viper, Glide, and Stratus leading some to believe that MACH may very well be rewriting the rulebook when it comes to combat engagements and aerial warfare. Subscribe to the Mike Drop Patreon Page to see Ad-Free Episodes Early + Bonus Content at https://www.patreon.com/mikedrop ---------- Support Ethan Thornton - Website - https://machindustries.com/ Follow Ethan on X - https://x.com/ethanrthornton Follow MACH Industries on X - https://x.com/Mach_Industries ---------- Sponsors: C. Crane When the internet goes dark, radio still works! Order Your C. Crane CC Skywave SSB 2 today when you call C. Crane's U.S. based Customer Service at 800-522-8863 or visit https://ccrane.com/drop and use code DROP at checkout for 10% off orders over $75! ---------- TEAM DOG FOOD, TREATS & SUPPLEMENTS Be Your Dog’s Hero: Veteran-owned by a former Navy SEAL and Special Operations K9 Trainer, Team Dog provides a complete diet of science-backed premium dog food, treats, and supplements to optimize your dog’s health, forged from rigorous standards and real-world expertise. https://www.teamdog.shop TEAM DOG ONLINE TRAINING Mike Ritland – a former Navy SEAL & Special Operations K9 trainer – shares his simple and effective dog training program to build trust and control with your dog. Based on Mike’s bestselling book “Team Dog, Train the Navy SEAL Way”, join tens of thousands of families that successfully trained their way to a better dog. https://www.teamdog.pet SHOP ALL THE MIKE RITLAND BRANDS Get all your Mike Ritland branded gear - Mike Drop | Trikos | Team Dog https://shop.mikeritland.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ethan Thornton is the founder of MACH Industries, a next-generation defense technology and manufacturing company that's dedicated to redefining the future of modern combat through their hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and drone defense systems. A 21-year-old MIT dropout, Ethan left higher learning in 2023 after receiving a Thiel Fellowship from tech startup investor Peter Thiel (as well as placing on Forbes 30 under 30 list) to pursue working at MACH full-time. Considered by some to be a modern tech savant who shares the stage with the likes of Elon Musk or Marvel's fictional billionaire Tony Stark, Ethan's goal is to create more cost-effective and efficient defense systems by replacing traditional munitions with hydrogen-powered alternatives. He's also attracted significant attention for his work at the Department of Defense, with his innovative approach to crafting weapons systems like Viper, Glide, and Stratus leading some to believe that MACH may very well be rewriting the rulebook when it comes to combat engagements and aerial warfare. Subscribe to the Mike Drop Patreon Page to see Ad-Free Episodes Early + Bonus Content at https://www.patreon.com/mikedrop ---------- Support Ethan Thornton - Website - https://machindustries.com/ Follow Ethan on X - https://x.com/ethanrthornton Follow MACH Industries on X - https://x.com/Mach_Industries ---------- Sponsors: C. Crane When the internet goes dark, radio still works! Order Your C. Crane CC Skywave SSB 2 today when you call C. Crane's U.S. based Customer Service at 800-522-8863 or visit https://ccrane.com/drop and use code DROP at checkout for 10% off orders over $75! ---------- TEAM DOG FOOD, TREATS & SUPPLEMENTS Be Your Dog’s Hero: Veteran-owned by a former Navy SEAL and Special Operations K9 Trainer, Team Dog provides a complete diet of science-backed premium dog food, treats, and supplements to optimize your dog’s health, forged from rigorous standards and real-world expertise. https://www.teamdog.shop TEAM DOG ONLINE TRAINING Mike Ritland – a former Navy SEAL & Special Operations K9 trainer – shares his simple and effective dog training program to build trust and control with your dog. Based on Mike’s bestselling book “Team Dog, Train the Navy SEAL Way”, join tens of thousands of families that successfully trained their way to a better dog. https://www.teamdog.pet SHOP ALL THE MIKE RITLAND BRANDS Get all your Mike Ritland branded gear - Mike Drop | Trikos | Team Dog https://shop.mikeritland.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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How AI will Change Warfare Forever | Mike Drop Episode 233

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This episode is 2 hours and 49 minutes long.

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This episode was published on March 31, 2025.

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Ethan Thornton is the founder of MACH Industries, a next-generation defense technology and manufacturing company that's dedicated to redefining the future of modern combat through their hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and drone...

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