AI and the Future of Warfare with US Under Secretary of War Emil Michael - No Priors: Artificial Intelligence | Technology | Startups Recap

Podcast: No Priors: Artificial Intelligence | Technology | Startups

Published: 2026-01-15

Duration: 45 min

Summary

Emil Michael discusses the urgency for the U.S. to innovate in defense technology amid China's military expansion, emphasizing a shift towards collaboration with startups and efficient resource allocation in the Department of War.

What Happened

In this episode, Emil Michael, the Under Secretary for Research and Engineering at the Department of War, shares insights on the rapid military buildup in China, which he describes as the 'biggest military buildup in world history.' This situation creates a pressing need for the U.S. to not only keep pace but to lead in defense technology. Michael highlights the evolution within the Department of War, which has pivoted from a singular focus on Acquisition Technology and Logistics to a more nuanced approach that separates research and engineering from acquisition, allowing for faster adaptation to technological advancements.

Michael also discusses his role in fostering collaboration between the Department of War and the private sector, citing the need for less adversarial relationships, as evidenced by the fact that companies like SpaceX and Palantir had to sue for their initial contracts. He emphasizes the importance of inviting new entrants into the defense sector, stating that the Department is now more excited about lower-cost, faster, and more sophisticated options. Furthermore, he outlines his responsibility for the Defense Innovation Unit and DARPA, which are crucial for connecting emerging technologies with defense applications and ensuring that the U.S. remains competitive globally.

Key Insights

• The military buildup in China necessitates urgent innovation in U.S. defense technology.
• Collaboration with startups is essential for advancing military capabilities.
• A shift in departmental structure aims to streamline technology acquisition and integration.
• Focusing on key technology areas enhances resource allocation and prioritization.

Key Questions Answered

What is the significance of the military buildup in China?

Emil Michael emphasizes that the military buildup in China is unprecedented, marking it as the biggest military buildup in world history. This context creates a critical urgency for the United States to innovate and advance in defense technology to maintain its competitive edge. Michael articulates that this situation demands a different level of investment and a shift in thinking compared to the past two decades, highlighting the strategic importance of staying ahead in military capabilities.

How is the Department of War changing its approach to technology acquisition?

Michael explains that the Department of War has undergone significant structural changes by separating Acquisition Technology and Logistics into distinct entities. This restructuring allows for a more agile response to technological advancements, as research and engineering can now operate independently from acquisition processes. He notes that this change is essential to keep pace with the rapid evolution of technology and to enhance the department's efficiency in integrating new systems.

What role do startups play in the future of defense technology?

In the conversation, Michael stresses the importance of integrating startups into the defense landscape, noting that the traditional barriers that companies faced—such as having to sue for contracts—are being dismantled. He wants to create an environment where startups can collaborate with the Department of War without unnecessary friction, thus tapping into innovative solutions that these companies can offer. The goal is to leverage lower-cost and faster technological advancements to improve defense capabilities.

What are the key technology areas prioritized by the Department of War?

Michael discusses how he reduced the number of critical technology areas from 14 to six to enhance focus and execution. This prioritization allows for clearer objectives and resource allocation. He particularly highlights applied AI as a primary focus, emphasizing the department's intention to adapt existing technologies developed in the private sector rather than duplicating efforts. Additionally, he mentions hypersonic missiles as a new area of concern, emphasizing the need for scalable and cost-effective solutions to address emerging threats.

How does Emil Michael's experience influence his role at the Department of War?

Michael brings a unique perspective to his role from his background in Silicon Valley and as a former leader at Uber. He aims to inject a sense of urgency and speed into the Department of War's operations, which historically have been viewed as bureaucratic. His experience as a high-speed dealmaker is seen as an asset in creating a culture of responsiveness and innovation within the department, where he believes that effective leadership can drive significant progress even in a government setting.