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The Pentagon has launched a new initiative aimed at determining how emerging technologies could reshape future battlefields, with Elon Musk, Anduril founder Palmer Luckey, and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich selected to co-lead the effort.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Project Meridian during a “State of the Force” address on September 30. The initiative will bring together technology leaders, academics, and policy experts under the direction of Defense Department Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael. The group will examine future battlefields and the weapons and technologies that U.S. forces may need.

Project Meridian will have 120 days to produce its findings and recommend practical steps for developing, testing, and deploying advanced military technologies. The Pentagon has not disclosed the full membership of the group or the partner organization through which the study will operate.

Hegseth also announced the creation of an Autonomous Warfare Command designed to accelerate the development and deployment of autonomous systems and drones. The two initiatives reflect the Pentagon’s broader focus on technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous weapons.

Musk’s participation gives the project a direct connection to the commercial space industry. His company SpaceX launches satellites for the U.S. government and operates a satellite network used for national defense and security missions. Project Meridian also represents Musk’s first formal government role since his departure from the Department of Government Efficiency last year.

Luckey brings a similar connection to the defense industry. His company, Anduril, develops autonomous military systems and drones and has secured government contracts involving long-range missiles, semi-autonomous fighter aircraft, and hardware for the Army’s mobile intelligence system.

The appointments also raise questions about potential conflicts between the group’s recommendations and the commercial interests of its members. Musk and Luckey lead companies that already supply technology to the U.S. government, meaning some technologies considered by Project Meridian could overlap with their existing businesses.

The Pentagon has emphasized that the initiative is intended to look beyond immediate military requirements and identify capabilities that could shape warfare in the coming decades. Its findings are expected after the 120-day study period, with the project focused on turning emerging technologies into systems that can eventually be developed, tested, and deployed.