autonomous system Archives

Neon sign top secret (Source: Getty Images)

Pentagon prepares to issue new classification rules for Replicator

According to a senior official, “the guidance for what will remain classified is not publicly releasable.”

May 21, 2024 By Brandi Vincent

NAVAL BASE CORONADO (May 15, 2024) – Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) from Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 3 (USVRON 3) operate remotely in San Diego Bay ahead of the unit’s establishment ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Claire M. DuBois)

Navy stands up new robo-ship squadron as Pentagon pursues Replicator systems

USVRON Three, commanded by Capt. Derek Rader, will oversee a fleet of small uncrewed surface vessels.

May 20, 2024 By Jon Harper

Photo of Anduril’s Roadrunner-Munition drone that was designed for air defense missions. (Anduril image)

Lawmakers plan to press DOD to accelerate fielding of AI-enabled counter-drone capabilities

A provision in a subcommittee mark for the fiscal 2025 defense policy bill would require department leaders to lay out their plans to resource, transition and scale…

May 15, 2024 By Jon Harper

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks is walks with Director of the Defense Innovation Unit Doug Beck during a visit to the Defense Innovation Unit, Mountain View, California, Dec. 12, 2023. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza)

Pentagon secures $500M for first tranche of Replicator systems

A stated goal of Replicator is to accelerate programs and field thousands of “attritable autonomous” systems across multiple domains by August 2025, to help the U.S. armed…

May 6, 2024 By Jon Harper

The X-62 VISTA flies in the skies over Edwards Air Force Base, California, March 23, 2023. (Air Force photo by Ethan Wagner)

Pentagon takes AI dogfighting to next level in real-world flight tests against human F-16 pilot

Officials provided an update on DARPA’s Air Combat Evolution program.

Apr 17, 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

Finnish Marines prepare to board on a Swedish CB90-class fast assault craft ahead of an amphibious assault demonstration during the Nordic Response 24 military exercise on March 10, 2024, at sea near Sorstraumen, above the Arctic Circle in Norway. Nordic Response 24 is part of the larger NATO exercise Steadfast Defender. The exercise involves air, sea, and land forces, with over 100 fighter jets, 50 ships, and over 20,000 troops practicing defensive maneuvres in cold and harsh weather conditions. (Photo by Jonathan NACKSTRAND / AFP)

Latest NATO expansion includes massive increase in DIANA innovation accelerator sites

The number of DIANA accelerator sites across the multinational network will more than double, as will the number of related test centers, the alliance announced.

Mar 15, 2024 By Jon Harper

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks speaks to members of the media at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 20, 2023. (DoD Photo by U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Jack Sanders)

Hicks: DOD plans to invest about $1B into Replicator initiative in 2024-2025 time frame

The stated goal of Replicator is to deliver thousands of relatively low-cost, “attritable” autonomous systems across multiple domains in 18 to 24 months to help the Pentagon…

Mar 11, 2024 By Jon Harper

AFRL’s XQ-67A Off Board Sensing Station, or OBSS, designed and built by General Atomics, took its maiden flight Feb. 28 from Gray Butte Field Airport, Palmdale, California. XQ-67A completed several test points and safely recovered on the first of a series of flight tests. The XQ-67A is the first of a second generation of autonomous collaborative platforms. (Courtesy photo)

Air Force provides more details about plans for ‘battle management’ of AI

An amendment to a BAA revises a key technical area regarding “artificial intelligence and next-generation distributed command and control.”

Mar 5, 2024 By Jon Harper

Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration Frank Calvelli speaks during the panel discussion “Driving Change with Speed” at the Air and Space Forces Association 2024 Warfare Symposium in Aurora, Colo., Feb. 13, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich)

Acquisition chief sees autonomous satellites as wave of the future for Space Force

Service leaders have warned about the risks to the ground segments of U.S. military space architectures from cyber threats or other adversary methods.

Feb 23, 2024 By Jon Harper