Pentagon launches 120-day study on future warfare with Musk, Luckey and Gingrich

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a "State of the Force" address on Wednesday to unveil Project Meridian, a 120-day study aimed at assessing how rapid technological advances could shape future combat. The initiative will be co-led by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Anduril Industries founder Palmer Luckey and former House speaker Newt Gingrich, with support from academics, policy experts and the Defense Department’s chief technology officer, Emil Michael.

The team is tasked with identifying "actionable solutions to start developing, testing, and fielding" advanced weapons and systems that would sustain U.S. military dominance. Hegseth also announced the creation of an Autonomous Warfare Command to accelerate the deployment of autonomous drones and related technologies. The Pentagon said the study will be conducted through a partner organization, though details about that entity were not disclosed.

Musk’s SpaceX provides satellite launch services and operates a defense-related satellite network, while Luckey’s Anduril builds autonomous military systems and has recently secured contracts for long-range missiles, semi-autonomous fighter aircraft and Army intelligence hardware. Critics note that the involvement of Musk and Luckey could present a conflict of interest, as the study may recommend technologies that their companies already market.

"The goal is to study the battlefields of the future and the weapons and technologies warfighters may use on them," Hegseth wrote in a letter announcing the project. The Department of Defense declined to provide additional comment beyond the secretary’s remarks.