Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Hegseth Announces New US Autonomous Warfare Command
Pete Hegseth announced a new military command for autonomous warfare.
Autonomous warfare means using systems that can perform some tasks with less direct human control.
He made the announcement during a speech at Quantico, Virginia.
He said a four-star military officer would lead the command.
Officials have not yet explained exactly how the command will be organized.
They also have not announced its specific programs.
Creating a new US military command is unusual.
The last new command was US Space Command in 2019.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new US Autonomous Warfare Command.
The announcement came during his “State of the Force” address at Quantico, Virginia.
Hegseth said the command would be led by a four-star officer.
Details about the command’s final structure and specific programs were not immediately provided.
The announcement is notable because new US military commands are created relatively rarely; the last was US Space Command in 2019.
- Who
- Pete Hegseth announced the command; it will be led by a four-star officer.
- What
- The United States will establish an Autonomous Warfare Command.
- When
- During Hegseth’s “State of the Force” address; no specific date was provided.
- Where
- Quantico, Virginia.
- Why
- Hegseth said the pace of war is changing, prompting the creation of a command focused on autonomous warfare.
- Announcer
- Pete Hegseth
- New command
- US Autonomous Warfare Command
- Announcement setting
- “State of the Force” address
- Location
- Quantico, Virginia
- Leadership
- A four-star officer
- Last new US command
- US Space Command, created in 2019
- Unresolved details
- Final structure and specific programs were not immediately provided