Pentagon’s new war machine: Drone command, AI push and a plan for future battlefields
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has announced the creation of an Autonomous Warfare Command to integrate drone and AI technology into military operations. This shift aims to modernize the Pentagon's capabilities by prioritizing autonomous systems over traditional, costly conventional weaponry.
Why it matters
The move signals a fundamental change in global military strategy, reflecting lessons learned from the war in Ukraine where drone warfare has become a decisive factor.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is moving to reshape the Pentagon's workforce and the way America fights its wars, unveiling a set of sweeping announcements that could leave a lasting mark on the department. Speaking to rank-and-file troops at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia on Wednesday, in what was billed as a 'State of the Force' address, Hegseth announced the creation of a new combatant command dedicated entirely to drone warfare, plans for a massive new military base on American soil, and a forward-looking initiative to identify the technologies that will define future conflict.The centrepiece of the announcement was the new Autonomous Warfare Command, which will be tasked with building and providing autonomous and robotic capabilities across the US military.
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