Secretary Pete Hegseth announced this week that Elon Musk will co-lead Project Meridian, a 120-day Pentagon initiative to study the future of warfare and identify critical technologies for U.S. military dominance.

The appointment places the SpaceX and Tesla chief executive alongside Anduril founder Palmer Luckey and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich as co-directors of the effort. Hegseth unveiled the panel during remarks at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, describing it as a way to harness American innovation against adversaries.

Project Meridian will examine evolving battlefields and recommend capabilities the military must master in coming decades. The Pentagon stated that the nonprofit MITRE will manage analysis and apply conflict-of-interest safeguards.

Musk's companies already hold substantial defense contracts, including satellite launches for military and intelligence agencies. SpaceX recently completed a classified mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. Critics, including some current and former Pentagon officials, have raised questions about potential conflicts given the panel's focus on future weapons systems.

Supporters argue the move brings essential private-sector expertise to accelerate development of drones, autonomous systems, and space capabilities. Hegseth emphasized leveraging America's technological edge, noting that rivals lack equivalent innovators.

The panel has already held initial meetings. Additional members include executives from other defense technology firms and retired military leaders. The project is expected to deliver recommendations within four months.

This marks Musk's latest advisory role in the Trump administration following his earlier work on government efficiency initiatives. Officials have stressed that all participants will adhere to ethical standards during the review process.