By Jasmine Clarke, Senior Correspondent
Meta Platforms Inc. has taken a bold step beyond its social media roots, entering the defense sector through a new partnership with defense technology startup Anduril Industries. Announced in late May 2025, the collaboration focuses on developing cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) systems designed specifically for the U.S. military.
This landmark initiative, dubbed “EagleEye,” is set to revolutionize battlefield intelligence and situational awareness by combining Meta’s expertise in immersive technology with Anduril’s deep knowledge of defense operations and AI-enabled hardware. Together, the two companies aim to create AR-based tools that enhance soldiers’ capabilities, streamline mission planning, and improve decision-making in real-time combat scenarios.
A New Frontier for Meta
Known globally for its social media platforms and consumer tech products like Quest VR headsets, Meta’s entry into defense technology reflects a significant shift in strategic direction. The partnership with Anduril symbolizes Meta’s ambition to diversify its technological footprint, utilizing its strengths in spatial computing and AI for national security purposes.
At the heart of the EagleEye project is a state-of-the-art AR headset system. These headsets are intended to give soldiers a tactical edge by projecting critical information onto their field of view. Integrated with AI-driven analytics, the system can detect threats, provide navigation support, and even facilitate command and control functions directly from the soldier’s headset.
The move is aligned with Meta’s broader goal of pioneering human-computer interaction through extended reality. By applying these innovations in a defense context, the company not only extends its influence but also affirms its commitment to developing technology that serves high-stakes, real-world applications.
Anduril’s Tactical Prowess
Founded by Palmer Luckey, a former Oculus executive, Anduril has quickly risen as one of the most influential defense startups in the U.S. Known for developing AI-powered surveillance towers, drones, and autonomous security systems, Anduril’s mission has consistently been to modernize the battlefield with commercial innovation.
The partnership with Meta brings full circle Luckey’s vision of merging consumer technology with military applications. He has long advocated for equipping soldiers with cutting-edge tech that enhances performance without compromising on ease of use. His team’s existing platform, Lattice, offers real-time data integration and battlefield analytics, which will be a key component of the EagleEye project.
Enhancing Soldier Capabilities
The core goal of the Meta-Anduril collaboration is to transform the way soldiers interact with their environment. Instead of relying on traditional handheld devices or static command centers, soldiers will be empowered to access mission-critical data through wearable technology that keeps their hands and attention free for tactical engagement.
The headsets will also support remote collaboration, allowing commanders to monitor operations in real time and relay orders visually. This represents a major leap from current systems that often rely on delayed or fragmented communication.
In high-risk environments, speed and clarity of information can be the difference between mission success and failure. By enabling real-time threat detection and navigation, the new AR system could drastically reduce operational delays and increase survivability on the battlefield.
Strategic and Political Implications
The partnership also carries strategic implications in the context of global military modernization. As the U.S. continues to invest in next-generation warfare capabilities, collaborations between tech companies and defense contractors are becoming increasingly common.
By integrating consumer technology innovation into military solutions, companies like Meta and Anduril are helping to bridge the gap between commercial advancements and defense requirements. This can lead to faster deployment cycles, more adaptable systems, and potentially lower costs compared to traditional procurement channels.
Moreover, this alliance signals a new chapter in Silicon Valley’s relationship with the defense industry. For Meta, which has historically focused on civilian and entertainment applications, this partnership serves as both a technical evolution and a public rebranding toward a more versatile, utility-driven enterprise.
A Reunion Years in the Making
This partnership also marks a notable reunion between Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Palmer Luckey, whose departure from Meta’s Oculus division in 2017 followed political controversy. Their renewed collaboration underlines a shared belief in the transformative power of technology—both in civilian life and on the front lines.
As the EagleEye system moves into development and field testing, it is expected to be evaluated for deployment by branches of the U.S. military. The success of this project could pave the way for similar collaborations between Big Tech and defense agencies in the future.