U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has announced the launch of the “Meridian” initiative, aimed at examining the future of military operations and exploring potential battlefields of the future, with prominent figures from technology, defense and politics taking part.
Hegseth announced the initiative during a speech to military personnel at the U.S. Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia. He said the project will operate under the supervision of Emil Michael, the Department of War’s chief technology officer.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX; Palmer Luckey, founder of defense technology company Anduril Industries; and former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich will serve as co-chairs of the initiative.
According to the U.S. Department of War, “Meridian” will examine potential future battlefields ranging from deep underground environments to the space surrounding the Moon, while identifying the systems and technologies needed to maintain U.S. military superiority over the long term.
Hegseth said the initiative is not intended to develop new military strategies or policies, but rather to study the future of military operations and provide practical recommendations.
The secretary tasked the project team with preparing a final report within 120 days of its launch. The report will include a public section intended for release to the public, along with a classified annex for senior military leadership. The findings are scheduled to be delivered on January 28, 2027.
Hegseth also directed the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the branches of the U.S. armed forces to connect their research into the future of warfare with the new initiative.
The reforms announced by Hegseth also include the creation of an “Autonomous Warfare Command,” which is expected to become a four-star functional combatant command by October 1, 2027.
