Pentagon launches 'Project Meridian' led by Elon Musk to study future warfare

The United States Department of Defense has enlisted the expertise of tech leaders Elon Musk, Palmer Luckey, and former US House Speaker Newt Gingrich to undertake Project Meridian, a study focused on the future of warfare and military technology needs. Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth unveiled the initiative, which will run for 120 days and evaluate how battlefields might transform and what capabilities the US military will require to maintain its technological edge.

The study will not develop new military strategies or policies but will identify areas where the US military should bolster its capabilities and the systems that should be developed and deployed.

The scope of Project Meridian is extensive, examining potential conflicts from underground to beyond the Moon, showcasing the range of technologies and domains that could influence future conflicts. Emil Michael, the Pentagon's Chief Technology Officer, has been appointed to oversee the project, while Musk, Luckey, and Gingrich will serve as co-chairs alongside a team comprising representatives from government, industry, academia, and policy circles.

Musk's involvement marks his return as an official adviser to President Donald Trump's administration, following a public dispute last year. Both Musk and Luckey's companies, SpaceX and Anduril, have been awarded multi-billion dollar contracts with the Department of Defense, positioning them to influence the future technology needs of the US military.

SpaceX recently secured a $4.16 billion contract to build satellites for tracking and targeting aerial threats, and Anduril received a $642 million contract to provide counter-drone systems. Project Meridian is part of the Pentagon's strategy to integrate autonomous systems and robotics into military operations, complementing plans to establish a new Autonomous Warfare Command led by a four-star officer.