Pentagon launches Project Meridian to identify future warfare technology

[Secretary Hegseth Delivers State Of The Force Address At Quantico] Alex Wong/Getty Images News Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday ordered the launch of Project Meridian, an initiative aimed at identifying emerging technologies and weapons that could shape future U.S. military capabilities. The project will examine advances in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, directed energy, robotics and biotechnology, among other technologies, according to a Sept. 30 memorandum signed by Hegseth and distributed to senior Pentagon leadership, combatant commanders and defense agency officials. Hegseth directed Pentagon Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael to commission Project Meridian through a partner organization.