Pentagon launches future warfare study led by Musk, Luckey and Gingrich

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has launched Project Meridian, a study of how warfare may change as technology advances. Elon Musk, Anduril founder Palmer Luckey and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich will co-lead the effort under the direction of Defense Department CTO Emil Michael.

In a letter announcing the project, Hegseth said the group would study future battlefields and the weapons and technologies service members may use. The team has 120 days to submit findings and propose solutions for developing, testing and deploying advanced technology. The announcement did not say how many people will take part.

The Pentagon also announced an Autonomous Warfare Command to accelerate development and deployment of autonomous systems and drones. The study will be conducted through a partner organization, but the announcement did not identify the organization or its leader. The Defense Department referred TechCrunch to a press release and said it had nothing further to provide beyond Hegseth’s comments.

Musk’s SpaceX launches satellites for the U.S. government and operates a satellite network supporting national defense and security missions. Anduril develops autonomous military systems and drones, and has received government contracts for long-range missiles, semi-autonomous fighter aircraft, and hardware and integration for the Army’s mobile intelligence system.

TechCrunch noted that critics could argue Musk’s and Luckey’s participation aligns with their companies’ business interests, because the study may recommend technologies those companies sell. The announcement does not establish what the study will recommend.