Autonomous Warfare Command Archives | DefenseScoop

Advertise

Autonomous Warfare Command

(DIU image)

Travis Metz to lead DIU as Owen West takes ‘leave of absence’ to help steer new AutoWarCom push

Both West and Metz will report directly to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a source told DefenseScoop.

Oct 2, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Francis L. Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command, talks to flight crew during a flight to Aeronaval Base Cristóbal Colón, March 31, 2026. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Trey Woodard)

Southcom creates new Autonomous Warfare Command to build up its drone prowess

A spokesperson for Southcom said the new SAWC will “employ autonomous, semi-autonomous, and unmanned platforms.”

Apr 22, 2026 By Brandi Vincent