SpaceX joins classified Pentagon contest for autonomous drone swarms

Elon Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX and its subsidiary xAI are reportedly taking part in a classified Pentagon competition focused on developing voice-controlled, autonomous drone swarming technology.

According to Bloomberg News, the companies are among a select group invited to compete in the $100 million challenge launched in January. The six-month contest is designed to create advanced systems capable of converting voice commands into digital instructions and coordinating multiple drones simultaneously.

Neither SpaceX, xAI nor the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit immediately responded to requests for comment. The report could not be independently verified.

The development comes after SpaceX acquired xAI, bringing together Musk’s space and defence contractor with his artificial intelligence venture. The deal was completed ahead of SpaceX’s anticipated initial public offering later this year.

Musk was previously among a group of AI and robotics researchers who signed a 2015 open letter urging a global ban on offensive autonomous weapons, warning against the creation of new tools designed for lethal purposes.

In recent years, the US Department of Defense has stepped up efforts to accelerate drone innovation, streamline procurement processes and strengthen domestic manufacturing. The push includes exploring safer and more cost-effective methods to counter drone threats, particularly around airports and major public events such as the upcoming FIFA World Cup and America250 anniversary celebrations.

Last year, several major technology firms — including OpenAI, Google and Anthropic, along with xAI — secured Pentagon contracts worth up to $200 million each to expand the use of advanced artificial intelligence capabilities within the department.