Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley Are Transforming the Future of War

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is a Pentagon unit that brings cutting-edge technology from Silicon Valley to the US military, transforming the way war is fought. Authored by two men who launched the unit, the book offers a fascinating look at the transformation and the challenges faced by the Pentagon in keeping up with Silicon Valley.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2024
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Shortlisted for the 2024 Financial Times Business Book of the Year, "The Only Game in Town" offers a captivating glimpse into the inner workings of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), an elite Pentagon unit tasked with integrating Silicon Valley's cutting-edge technology into the U.S. military. Authored by two men who played pivotal roles in launching the unit, the book provides a comprehensive account of the profound transformation underway in the way war is fought. From flying cars that can land like helicopters to artificial intelligence-powered drones that can fly into buildings and map their interiors, microsatellites that can see through clouds and monitor rogue missile sites, and more, the DIU's arsenal is rapidly evolving. Until recently, the Pentagon had a strained relationship with Silicon Valley and faced slow-moving processes that hindered innovation. DIU was created as a bridge to Valley technologists, granting it authority to cut through red tape and function as a venture capital firm. Shah and Kirchhoff, who came after them, were tasked with meeting immediate military needs with technology from Valley startups rather than from established "primes" like Lockheed, Raytheon, and Boeing. Through their immersive storytelling, Shah and Kirchhoff take readers inside AI labs, drone workshops, and battle command centers, as well as to Ukraine's frontlines, providing a fascinating picture of what it takes to remain dominant in a fast-changing and often precarious geopolitical landscape. In an era where China has mandated that all commercial firms within its borders make their research and technology available to the government, the DIU's work is more critical than ever. The book offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of integrating Silicon Valley's innovation with the military's needs, and it serves as a call to action for policymakers and industry leaders alike.

Weight: 514g
Dimension: 237 x 163 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781668031384