Secretary Pete Hegseth has initiated ‘Project Meridian’ to identify the capabilities the US will need to maintain long-term military superiority.
This study will examine the possible requirements of the battlefield in many areas, from operations taking place below the Earth to the moon.
This project is being taken forward by the department’s Chief Technology Officer, Emil Michael. According to official information, its three co-directors will get the support of experts from academia, policy and industry.
“Project Meridian will investigate all areas of future war fighting, from the depths beneath the ground to the area around the Moon,” the department said.
Hegseth directed that the project be completed within 120 days of commencement. The final report will contain no confidential information and will be made public, with a separate confidential section.
The department said the report will contain information and suggestions about advanced systems needed for future conflicts. It was introduced as an effort to speed up the process of identifying technical needs and inducting those systems into the army.
“If efforts to deter the enemy fail, our soldiers will enter any future fight with the technological edge gained from today’s foresight, determination and preparation,” the department said.
‘Project Meridian’ was one of six initiatives that Hegseth touted during a speech at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. He addressed the active-duty officers and non-commissioned officers who will be involved in implementing these changes.
Other initiatives include autonomous warfare, training of officers, domestic supply chains, military bases and religious assistance.
Hegseth announced plans to establish the ‘Autonomous Warfare Command’ as a four-star functional combatant command by October 1, 2027. The department said that this initiative will increase the use of autonomous systems in the joint army.
A separate program, ‘Fortress America’, aims to strengthen military bases by protecting them from disruption and reducing dependence on foreign sources for critical materials and spare parts.
Its stated priorities include independent power generation at large sites, domestic supply chains for rare earths and semiconductors, strategic stockpiling of essential goods, and protection from cyber attacks, sabotage and drones.
Under the ‘Next Great American Base’ project, a new military base will be built, which will have its own power generation system, automatic systems and advanced air defense systems. Different states will compete with each other to build this base in their states by offering land and other assistance.
The department also announced ‘America’s Corps of Cadets’, which will include additional full-time programs at five universities and colleges. Additionally, an ‘Office of Religious Affairs’ would also be created, which would report directly to Hegseth.