unmanned systems Archives

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 3, 2023) A global advanced reconnaissance craft is deployed in the Pacific Ocean during the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Integrated Battle Problem (IBP) 23.1. IBP 23.1 is a U.S. Pacific Fleet experiment, executed by U.S. 3rd Fleet, operationalizing multi-domain employment of unmanned systems to create fleet warfighting advantages. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Derek Kelley)

Navy CNO unveils ‘Project 33’ with a heavy emphasis on robotic systems, information dominance

The forthcoming push is part of Adm. Lisa Franchetti's “CNO Navigation Plan."

Sep 18, 2024 By Jon Harper

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, 5th Air Force commander, inspects an F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron, Misawa Air Base, Japan, prior to flight during exercise COPE North 20 (CN20) at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 28, 2020. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger)

Pacific Air Forces eyeing Replicator systems to ‘complement’ day-to-day operations

There’s still much to puzzle out regarding the overarching concepts of operation for Replicator capabilities, according to the commander of Pacific Air Forces.

Sep 16, 2024 By Brandi Vincent

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Amado Saltosandrade, left, radio operator, and Lance Cpl. Miguel Alfaro, Right, electronics maintenance repairer, with the 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment set up the Marine Corps Wideband Satellite during the establishment of the 3d LCT command and control node at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 25, 2022. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Purcell)

Marine commandant’s new planning guidance emphasizes C2 investments

“My observations over the last year reinforce my belief that command and control, as well as our ability to share data, will play an outsized role in…

Aug 28, 2024 By Jon Harper

Multinational ships sail in formation July 22, off the coast of Hawaii during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Evan Diaz)

Navy’s Project Overmatch steams ahead at RIMPAC

The recently concluded Rim of the Pacific exercise included participation from 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft, and…

Aug 15, 2024 By Jon Harper

Report: Air Force CCA program still faces cost, bureaucratic hurdles despite positive movement

A new report from CSIS says the Air Force's existing acquisition culture could turn the drone program into one that is too expensive and exquisite to produce…

Aug 6, 2024 By Mikayla Easley

Department of Defense, DOD, Pentagon — (DOD / Lisa Ferdinando)

Military services face sustainment burdens from Replicator systems

The Pentagon aims to field thousands of “attritable autonomous” systems across multiple domains by August 2025 to help the U.S. armed forces counter China’s military buildup.

May 15, 2024 By Jon Harper

Next-generation air dominance and CCA drone concept art (Lockheed Martin image)

Navy aiming for $15M price tag for CCA drones; avoid long-term sustainment costs

The sea service wants to acquire AI-enabled cooperative combat aircraft that are “consumable,” said Rear Adm. Stephen Tedford, program executive officer for unmanned aviation and strike weapons.

Apr 8, 2024 By Jon Harper

Robotic Combat Vehicle prototype during soldier experimentation at the National Training Center, NTC, Fort Irwin, CA from July to September 2023. (Photo by Savannah Baldwin

Anduril, Palantir awarded contracts for Army robotic combat vehicle software system integration

The move comes as the Army is looking to acquire new unmanned platforms with autonomous capabilities.

Apr 3, 2024 By Jon Harper

Congress to DOD: Explain how you’re going to use and sustain Replicator drones

The 2024 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act would task the DOD to brief key committees on its plans for Replicator within 60 days of enactment.

Mar 21, 2024 By Jon Harper

U.S. Army Soldiers, assigned to the 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, and the Artificial Intelligence Integration Center, conduct drone test flights and software troubleshooting during Allied Spirit 24 at the Hohenfels Training Area, Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Germany, March 6, 2024. (U.S. Army photo by Micah Wilson)

Army proposing 3 systems for 2nd round of Replicator; 1 picked for initial tranche

The stated goal of Replicator is to deliver thousands of relatively low-cost, “attritable” unmanned systems in 18 to 24 months to help the Pentagon counter China’s military buildup.

Mar 20, 2024 By Jon Harper