Misunderstood Power: Emil Michael on the Truth About the DoW & Defense Tech

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Dec 13, 2025

Emil Michael, Under Secretary of War for Research & Engineering, discusses his unique journey from scaling Uber to shaping modern defense. He reveals the Department of War’s six critical technology areas, emphasizing the importance of applied AI and hypersonics in modern warfare. Emil highlights innovative companies like Anduril and Planet Labs that are transforming defense tech. He also shares insights on the need to reshore supply chains and enhance troop preparedness, all while debunking myths about the defense sector's challenges and priorities.

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INSIGHT

Centralized Technology Leadership

Emil Michael runs research, DARPA, Missile Defense, and is the department's chief AI officer overseeing startup engagement.
He emphasizes applying commercial tech to defense through the Chief Digital and AI Office and the Defense Innovation Unit.

ANECDOTE

From Uber To The Pentagon

Emil Michael recounts leaving Uber, meeting President Trump, joining the transition, and returning to government work.
He was drawn to R&E because it hosts the coolest tech like space lasers and hypersonics.

INSIGHT

Budgeting For Future Threats

The budget shift aims to move funds from bureaucracy into advanced technologies countering near-peer threats.
Priorities include weapons, counter-drone systems, lasers, and automated AI defenses to outpace adversaries.

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With great honor, Mr. Emil Michael, the Under Secretary of War for Research & Engineering (USW(R&E)) and Chief Technology Officer for the Department of War (DoW), joins Sourcery in front of a F117 at the Reagan National Defense Forum 2025 to dispel common misconceptions about the DoW, modern defense technology, & the role of companies like Palantir, SpaceX, & Anduril.

Drawing on his unique path from hyperscaling Uber into a global technology company to now overseeing the DoW’s research, development, & prototyping enterprise, he breaks down how the system actually works behind the scenes.

He also outlines the DoW’s 6 Critical Technology Areas — Applied AI, Scaled Hypersonics, Scaled Directed Energy, Biomanufacturing, Contested Logistics, & Battlefield Information Dominance — and explains how these priorities reflect the realities of modern warfare rather than the myths often portrayed around the sector.

Bonus: Newer companies Emil Michael highlights as emerging leaders in defense innovation include Planet Labs for commercial satellite imagery, Neros as a next-generation drone company, Hadrian for AI-driven advanced manufacturing, and a broader group of frontier AI companies now engaging with the Department of War.

Emil Michael: https://x.com/emilmichael

Molly O’Shea: ⁠⁠https://x.com/MollySOShea⁠

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