Hegseth Announces New Autonomous Warfare Command for Drones

• •AUTOWARCOM will oversee military drone technology and operations.
• •The command is set to be functional by October 2027, pending Congressional approval.
• •Project Agincourt will lead initial efforts to integrate drone capabilities with military operations.

On September 30, 2026, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the establishment of the Autonomous Warfare Command (AUTOWARCOM) to enhance military drone capabilities. This new four-star command aims to streamline the acquisition and deployment of drones and robotics, marking a significant shift in military operations. Hegseth emphasized the need for a purpose-built system that allows for rapid adaptation and iteration in warfare. The command is expected to be operational by October 2027 and will require Congressional approval to grant acquisition authorities similar to those of Special Operations and Cyber commands. Additionally, Project Agincourt will lead the initial steps towards this command, focusing on integrating operators with entrepreneurs for effective warfighting acquisition. The initiative also includes collaboration with notable figures like Elon Musk and Palmer Luckey to explore future warfare strategies. The overall goal is to enhance the U.S. military's capabilities in autonomous warfare.