SpaceX joins classified Pentagon bid for voice-controlled drone swarms

SpaceX, along with its AI subsidiary xAI, is reportedly competing in a classified Pentagon competition to develop voice-controlled, autonomous drone swarming systems. The contest, offering around $100 million in prizes, seeks technology that can translate spoken commands into coordinated actions by multiple drones simultaneously. This initiative aligns with the US military’s broader effort to accelerate the adoption of autonomous systems and AI in defense operations, enabling personnel without specialized training to command drone swarms effectively in complex battlefield or emergency scenarios. The Pentagon’s interest in drone swarms is driven by the increasing use of unmanned systems in global conflicts for surveillance, attacks, and smuggling, as well as domestic security concerns such as protecting airports and large public events from unauthorized drones. The Department of Homeland Security has already invested heavily in counter-drone technologies ahead of major upcoming events like the FIFA World Cup and the US 250th anniversary celebrations. SpaceX’s involvement marks an expansion beyond its traditional roles in rockets and satellite communications, reflecting a growing collaboration between