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School of War

Ep 165: Shyam Sankar on a Defense Reformation

Dec 17, 2024
Shyam Sankar, Chief Technology Officer at Palantir Technologies, shares his insights on defense technology and acquisition challenges. He critiques the Pentagon's outdated procurement processes, emphasizing the need for agility and collaboration. Highlighting the disconnect between corporate leadership and frontline realities, he discusses how software innovation is paramount for future warfare. Sankar also celebrates both established heroes and lesser-known innovators who defy convention in the defense sector, advocating for a shift towards software-driven military strategies.
39:18

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Shyam Sankar stresses the need for reforming the Defense Department's procurement system to foster competition and drive innovation.
  • The podcast highlights the critical importance of adapting defense capabilities swiftly in response to real-time battlefield conditions, as demonstrated during the war in Ukraine.

Deep dives

Palantir's Dual Focus on Freedom and Prosperity

Palantir operates with a dual focus, providing technology for both commercial industries and defense sectors, where half of its business caters to U.S. allies on issues related to freedom. This unique positioning underscores the interconnection between technological advancement and national security, suggesting that the health of the commercial sector impacts defense capabilities. By helping commercial clients, such as major automotive and aerospace companies, streamline operations while simultaneously working on defense solutions, Palantir aims to create a synergistic relationship that enhances America's overall safety and economic vitality. This approach reflects a broader philosophy that free markets and competitive processes can drive technological innovation necessary for effective national defense.

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