Pete Hegseth Launches Autonomous Warfare Command and Project Meridian

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the creation of the Autonomous Warfare Command (AutoWarCom), a four-star combatant command intended to overhaul the acquisition, testing, and deployment of drones and robotics. Speaking at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Hegseth stated the command will be functional by October 2027 and aims to establish a rapid pipeline of cheap, American-made unmanned systems. The initiative is supported by President Donald Trump, though the Joint Staff previously recommended against a drone-specific command due to concerns over the misalignment of authorities.

As part of this overhaul, Hegseth launched Project Meridian, a 120-day initiative to identify the technologies and weapons required for future warfare across domains from underground to space. Overseen by Pentagon technology chief Emil Michael, the project is co-led by Elon Musk, Palmer Luckey, and Newt Gingrich. Hegseth emphasized that the project focuses on mastering capabilities rather than developing new policies. Both Musk and Luckey lead companies with significant existing Department of Defense contracts for autonomous weapons and satellite networks.

Additionally, Hegseth established FORTRESS America, a program office dedicated to hardening military installations against cyber and drone attacks by enabling them to generate power independently of the civilian grid. To prepare for the new command, Hegseth appointed Owen West and Max Strasiser to lead the initial groundwork through Project Agincourt.