Pentagon creates Autonomous Warfare Command to oversee AI and drone capabilities

The Pentagon is getting a new command, and its focus is machines that fight on their own. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the Autonomous Warfare Command, shortened to Autowarcom, on September 30, 2026. He made the announcement during a “State of the Force” address at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. The new command will develop and oversee AI and drone capabilities across the US military. That makes it the first new combatant command since US Space Command arrived in 2019. Autowarcom will become the 12th US combatant command. What Autowarcom will actually do Autowarcom is designed as a four-star functional combatant command. It will also hold service-like authorities. Service-like authorities mean the command can innovate, procure, and field autonomous technologies itself. It will not have to wait for the Army, Navy, or Air Force to buy things on its behalf. The scope covers drones and AI systems used across the military. A four-star officer will lead the command. That officer has not yet been named. The official stand-up date is projected for October 1, 2027. Project Agincourt bridges the gap The Pentagon is not waiting until 2027 to start. An interim structure cal...