Project Agincourt: Pentagon Targets Four-Star Autonomous Warfare Command by October 2027
The Department of War announced on October 21 that the leaders of Project Agincourt — Defense Innovation Unit director Owen West and Navy SEAL Senior Chief Max Strasiser — have issued an open letter to the Joint Force and industry partners advancing the creation of an Autonomous Warfare Command.
The letter sets two principal missions: first, to establish a four-star functional combatant command, the Autonomous Warfare Command (AUTOWARCOM), by October 1, 2027, with the authority to coordinate unmanned and autonomous warfare capabilities across the services, along with its own manpower, budget and acquisition authorities; and second, to prototype a new acquisition model that connects autonomous-technology and robotics companies directly with operational units, with battlefield and exercise performance — rather than administrative milestones — deciding which systems receive expanded funding and which are discontinued. "Low-cost drones have changed the character, speed and economics of war," the letter said.
The initiative stems from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's September 30 address at Quantico and a memorandum signed the same day; formally establishing the command will require supporting legislation from Congress.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 美军无人机系统测试画面（挪威）。图：Wikimedia Commons「CLB-6 Conducts Tactical Resupply Vehicle 150 unmanned aircraft system Test Flights in Norway (8230046).jpg」，公共领域。 / Photo: a U.S. unmanned aircraft system test flight in Norway. Source: Wikimedia Commons ("CLB-6 Conducts Tactical Resupply Vehicle 150 unmanned aircraft system Test Flights in Norway (8230046).jpg"), public domain.
