Key facts
- The US Department of Defense has launched Project Meridian to identify future warfare technological needs.
- Elon Musk, Palmer Luckey, and Newt Gingrich will lead the Project Meridian review.
- Project Meridian aims to ensure America maintains military overmatch for the 21st century.
- Musk's SpaceX and Luckey's Anduril have existing business contracts with the Pentagon.
- Anduril Industries has at least $2.4 billion in federal deals.
- Musk and Luckey are expected to submit findings within three months.
The US Department of Defense has initiated Project Meridian, a new program aimed at identifying the technological requirements for future warfare. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the project will analyze future battlefields, determine the weapons and technologies needed for military dominance, and propose solutions for development and deployment.
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, Palmer Luckey, CEO of Anduril Industries, and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich have been appointed to lead this review. While none of the three have military service backgrounds, Musk's SpaceX and Luckey's Anduril are significant contractors with the Pentagon. Anduril alone holds at least $2.4 billion in federal deals, and SpaceX has substantial government contracts. The full value of their business with the government is difficult to ascertain due to classified programs and "other transaction agreements."
Hegseth cited rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, autonomy, directed energy, robotics, and biotechnology as profoundly altering the nature of warfare. Project Meridian is intended to ensure the United States maintains its global dominance by anticipating future operational environments and developing the necessary tools. Pentagon Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael will oversee the program, which is expected to submit its findings, including a classified annex, within three months.