The memo is aimed at reforming the DOD's historically lengthy approval processes for buying and fielding weapons that can take out drones.

DefenseScoop obtained an official memorandum on Thursday, which was issued by the defense secretary on Oct. 20.

In a new legal brief, they warned that the high-stakes ruling will “threaten all defense contractors.”

The commander shed new light on its origin and Defense Department leaders’ overarching vision for it during the annual AUSA conference. 

The memorandum from the head of the A&S directorate was obtained by DefenseScoop.

She previously helped co-found the Defense Department's Tradewinds Marketplace for commercial AI and data products.

The nation’s counter-drone task force “will not accept a slow-moving bureaucracy when faced with a fast-moving threat,” a spokesperson said.

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

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unveiled AutoWarCom during his “State of the Force” address at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia.

Sources familiar with the deal expressed unease about the government’s handling of this significant procurement decision.