Meta joins military tech sector with $100M partnership
Shafaq News/ Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has officially entered the military technology sector through a $100M strategic partnership with American defense startup Anduril.
The collaboration is part of a broader $22B US Department of Defense initiative to enhance combat and tactical capabilities using smart, wearable technologies.
Under the deal, Meta will develop advanced AI software, while Anduril will design field equipment, including next-generation helmets and extended reality (XR) headsets. These devices aim to help soldiers detect drones from afar, locate concealed targets, and operate autonomous weapon systems in complex combat environments. The gear leverages Meta's immersive tech breakthroughs—like those in its Quest VR platform—adapted for military use.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed pride in this strategic shift, noting that the company's work in AI and XR is now 'ready to serve American troops who defend national interests.' Anduril founder Palmer Luckey, who previously led Oculus at Meta, said the partnership will produce cutting-edge technologies to make soldiers 'technologically superior to any potential enemy.'
The move has also sparked political debate. Zuckerberg has faced criticism over his growing ties to figures close to President Donald Trump. He donated $1M to Trump's inaugural committee and recently appointed UFC chief Dana White, a known Trump ally, to Meta's board. At the same time, Meta has scaled back its diversity and inclusion initiatives—prompting speculation that one of Silicon Valley's largest firms is shifting politically.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
PUK's head urges Baghdad to resolve Kurdistan salaries
Shafaq News/ The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan's (PUK) head Bafel Talabani said on Sunday that he has been in direct contact with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to address the ongoing salary crisis for public employees in the Kurdistan Region. Speaking at an event in al-Sulaymaniyah marking the PUK's 50th anniversary, Talabani said, 'I have spoken with al-Sudani about the salary payments for Kurdistan employees, and we are awaiting a solution to this issue.' The salary dispute has been a persistent source of tension between Erbil and Baghdad. The federal government's recent decision to halt salary disbursements to the Region's employees has fueled criticism in Kurdistan and raised concerns over the economic well-being of thousands of families. Talabani emphasized that the PUK continues to play a balancing role in Kurdistan and is viewed with respect both in Baghdad and across the Region. 'The Kurdish people have no issue with our Arab brothers, and the PUK is committed to resolving disputes with Baghdad,' he said. Addressing regional issues, Talabani highlighted the PUK's role in the peace process in Turkiye, saying, 'The PUK has an important role to play in this process and is capable of defending the rights of the Kurdish people.'
Shafaq News
4 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Erbil inaugurates Greek-Kurdish investment center
Shafaq News/ The Greek-Kurdish Center for Development and Investment was officially inaugurated on Sunday in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region. The opening ceremony was attended by Haj Ismail Surchi and Ibrahim Mohammed Agha, members of the Executive Council of the Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with Serbest Zakhoi, the center's director. The Consul General and Trade Attaché from Greece's Consulate in Erbil, as well as a number of local businessmen, company representatives, and dignitaries, also attended. Haj Ismail Surchi expressed hope that the center's opening would strengthen commercial ties between Greece and Kurdistan. He urged the Greek Consul to facilitate trade for Kurdistan's merchants and encourage Greek companies and investors to explore business opportunities in the Region, participate in trade fairs, and expand partnerships. He also reiterated the Chamber's commitment to fully support and coordinate these efforts. For his part, Serbest Zakhoi, director of the center, affirmed their dedication to fostering robust economic and commercial relations between Greece and the Region.
Shafaq News
5 hours ago
- Shafaq News
PM Barzani declares new phase of US-KRG strategic partnership
Shafaq News/ On Sunday, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani announced that his recent visit to the United States marked the beginning of a new phase in strategic partnership. Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Duhok, Barzani highlighted a broad reform agenda in Kurdistan aimed at 'improving the livelihoods of our people and ensuring sustainable economic growth.' He noted that the US visit resulted in the signing of several agreements with leading American energy companies, adding, 'These agreements will create high-quality job opportunities and stimulate a culture of innovation and investment in the Region.' 'Kurdistan is undergoing an economic transformation not solely dependent on oil, but focused on diversifying key sectors such as agriculture and banking,' he said, pointing to infrastructure initiatives, including efforts to improve water distribution and the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund to protect the future of coming generations. The Kurdish PM announced continued progress on the Runaki Project, aimed at delivering stable, long-term electricity supply, alongside the launch of 'Hesabi' (My Account), the Region's first digital banking initiative designed to promote financial inclusion and transparency. He further encouraged investment in AI innovation centers and called for greater cooperation between universities and the tech sector, urging the Kurdish youth to actively participate in what he called a global revolution.
