Pentagon creates 'Autowarcom' to expand AI and drone capabilities - Reuters

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the creation of a new military command dedicated to the development and deployment of autonomous and robotic capabilities across the US armed forces. Known as the Autonomous Warfare Command, the new entity is intended to address the evolving nature of modern combat by integrating artificial intelligence and drone technology into military operations.

The establishment of a new combatant command is a significant development, as the US military has not created one since the formation of US Space Command in 2019. The Pentagon currently maintains 11 combatant commands, which are primarily organized by geographic region. The addition of this new command signals a strategic shift toward prioritizing cheaper, AI-driven autonomous systems over traditional, high-cost conventional weapons platforms, a transition prompted by the effectiveness of such technology in recent global conflicts.

During an address at Quantico, Virginia, titled the State of the Force, Hegseth emphasized that the current pace of warfare is outpacing existing support processes. He noted that advancements in commercial manufacturing, superintelligence, and affordable computing have facilitated the widespread availability of low-cost, high-precision strike capabilities. The new command is intended to help the military adapt to these rapid technological changes.

The Autonomous Warfare Command will be led by a four-star officer, according to the announcement. While the primary focus of the command is the expansion of drone and AI capabilities, the Secretary also announced other organizational changes, including the creation of an office of religious affairs. The speech, delivered before an audience of junior officers and enlisted personnel, also contained remarks regarding the media.