The plan envisages portable nuclear reactors, large-scale battery storage and microgrids
FORTRESS would require every major military installation in the continental US to sustain essential operations independently for at least 90 days, according to Fox News Digital. In an investigation, POLITICO reported that the Defence Department had established the Technology Support Office (TSO) in April by reorganising two classified intelligence programmes that had undertaken similar activities on a smaller scale since 2023. Its reported activities include developing specialised hacking tools and planning deception operations involving potentially faulty components in foreign weapons systems.
Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell told Fox News Digital that relying on civilian municipal infrastructure for national defence was an unacceptable risk. He said the initiative recognised that electricity had become a critical component of modern warfare, with power failures capable of disrupting communications, water supplies, logistics, manufacturing and military command systems. Parnell said the next major conflict could involve multiple fronts, disrupting global supply chains and making it difficult to replenish essential military equipment and materials. The agency works with senior military and intelligence officials to develop tools and strategies that could disrupt foreign access to critical defence technologies, according to the report.
However, the report also raised questions about oversight and accountability, given the secrecy surrounding the agency and the potential risks of covert operations. In response to questions from POLITICO, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Jacob Bliss disputed the reporting, saying the claims were based on information that was not true.
Project Meridian focuses on future warfare
Alongside these preparations, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced Project Meridian, an initiative intended to identify the weapons and capabilities the US military will need to maintain its technological edge in future conflicts.
It will identify critical capability gaps and recommend solutions that can be developed, tested and deployed, according to the Pentagon memorandum cited in the announcement. The project will examine advances in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, directed-energy weapons, robotics and biotechnology.