Project Meridian is one of six initiatives launched by the Department of War, including the Autonomous Warfare Command, or AutoWarCom. This four star combatant command, designed to scale robotic capabilities across the joint force, will be established by October 1, 2027, and will require enabling legislation from Congress. Other new programs include a base resilience effort called FORTRESS America and a new Corps of Cadets. The appointment marks Musk's first official advisory government role since departing the Department of Government Efficiency.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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Musk Returns to Pentagon as Leader of New Future War Study
US Politics20 days ago
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has appointed Elon Musk, Palmer Luckey, and Newt Gingrich to co-direct Project Meridian, a new initiative to identify the weapons and technologies required for U.S. military dominance. Announced at Marine Corps Base Quantico, the project will study future battlefields in domains ranging from subterranean zones to cislunar space. The trio is tasked with delivering a public report and a classified annex on the future of warfare within 120 days, with a final deadline of Jan. 28, 2027.
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