Meta is set to engage in the development of cutting-edge military technologies for the U.S. Army. According to The Wall Street Journal, the company has partnered with Anduril Industries, a defense firm, to submit a proposal for a project named EagleEye. The contract has yet to be finalized, but its estimated value is around $100 million. This is part of a larger Pentagon initiative worth $22 billion aimed at creating wearable devices for the military, with Anduril as the main contractor.
EagleEye aims to develop helmets, glasses, and other wearable devices featuring augmented and virtual reality technologies. These gadgets will include sensors to enhance soldiers' hearing and vision. For instance, they will assist in detecting drones from long distances or locating hidden targets. There are also plans to integrate artificial intelligence: these devices will enable military personnel to interact with autonomous weapon systems based on Anduril's software and Meta's AI models.
Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated that these technologies will help to “protect the nation's interests both at home and abroad.” Palmer Luckey, the founder of Anduril, has been a strong advocate for collaboration between major tech firms and the military, emphasizing the importance of such interactions.
Luckey, who founded Oculus VR, previously worked with Meta but was dismissed in 2017 following a scandal involving funding an anti-Clinton campaign. He is now returning to collaborate with Meta and openly supports Donald Trump, believing that Anduril will achieve even greater success under his second administration.
Anduril Industries was founded by Palmer Luckey in 2017. The company develops advanced systems for military and government entities, including autonomous drones, surveillance systems, sensors, and AI-based software. In recent years, Anduril has secured government contracts worth over $6 billion across various countries.
