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.