The USA creates a command for autonomous warfare. The Pentagon accelerates the development of drones and robotic systems

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday at Quantico Base in Virginia the creation of the “Autonomous Warfare Command,” a command dedicated to developing and using autonomous and robotic systems across all branches of the United States military.

The new structure will be led by a four-star general and will have responsibilities similar to those of a military service branch. Full operationalization is planned for October 1, 2027, but the project must be approved by Congress. Until then, the Pentagon will carry out Project Agincourt, through which decisions on procurement and funding will be transferred closer to frontline units.

Hegseth also announced the elimination of 20% of general and admiral positions. The decision is part of a restructuring intended to accelerate the military’s adaptation to a battlefield dominated by drones, artificial intelligence and low-cost technologies.

The Pentagon is changing its strategy based on lessons from the war in Ukraine, where drones are reportedly responsible for approximately 70% of Russia’s losses. In parallel, Project Meridian, coordinated by Elon Musk, Palmer Luckey and Newt Gingrich, is expected to propose solutions to the United States’ technological vulnerabilities. The report is expected in January 2027.