Pentagon Establishes Autonomous Warfare Command Amidst Media Criticism
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth unveils the new unit focused on drone technology while also sharply criticizing US media coverage.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the establishment of a new Pentagon unit, the Autonomous Warfare Command (AutoWarCom), tasked with the procurement, testing, and deployment of autonomous drones and robotics. The command is slated to become operational by October 2027.
Hegseth made the announcement during his State of the Force address to senior military leaders in Quantico, Virginia. He also used the occasion to sharply criticize the U.S. press, stating, "Our so-called press makes Iranian state media look reasonable." He accused journalists of "Trump derangement syndrome" and committing "a national betrayal" for their coverage of an unnamed conflict, which he characterized as "partisan activism that intentionally smears the troops."
The new AutoWarCom will be led temporarily by Owen West, a Department of War official, and Max Strasiser, a Navy SEAL test pilot, until a four-star military officer is selected for the top position. The unit's primary objective is to accelerate the development of affordable and rapidly manufactured autonomous military systems to secure a global advantage for the U.S.
In parallel, Hegseth revealed "Project Meridian," an initiative aimed at studying the future of warfare and its technological underpinnings. This project will involve SpaceX founder Elon Musk, Anduril founder Palmer Luckey, and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. A report from this group is expected within 120 days.
The Pentagon's increased focus on autonomous capabilities is partly inspired by the effectiveness of drones in recent conflicts, notably Ukraine's defense against the Russian invasion. The U.S. military's latest budget request includes a significant increase in funding for drone and counterdrone technologies, with approximately $74 billion earmarked for drones alone, representing about five percent of the total budget.
Autonomous weaponry has become increasingly prominent in modern warfare. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has deployed Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones to the Middle East as part of efforts to bolster regional security and deterrence. The U.S. aims to develop autonomous capabilities that are inexpensive and can be produced quickly for deployment worldwide.
Hegseth's remarks about the press come amid ongoing tensions and scrutiny of media coverage of military operations and policy.
