Pentagon Creates Autonomous Warfare Command, Aims for 2027 Launch

The US Department of Defense has launched the Autonomous Warfare Command (AutoWarCom), a four-star organization focused on drones and autonomous systems. The command, set to be operational by October 2027, aims to streamline the process of acquiring, testing, and deploying unmanned technology.

According to Pentagon officials, AutoWarCom will handle buying autonomous systems, putting them through testing, and getting them into the field. The command's four-star designation gives it more authority in turf battles and budget fights than a smaller office would have.

The leadership of AutoWarCom has been named as Owen West, a former Marine, and Max Strasiser, a Navy SEAL test pilot. This new command is part of the Pentagon's efforts to adapt to the changing shape of modern war, where drones and unmanned systems have become increasingly central on the battlefield.

The creation of AutoWarCom follows the establishment of the SOUTHCOM Autonomous Warfare Command (SAWC) in April 2026 under Gen. Francis L. Donovan. The DRPM-UxS office was also created that same month to consolidate the department's drone and autonomous system programs into a single portfolio.

The Pentagon wants more cross-branch coordination, and a dedicated four-star command combined with the DRPM-UxS office suggests this is a priority. However, standing up any major command involves staffing, budgets, facilities, and legal authorities, which will require significant resources from Congress to fund.