Defense Secretary Creates New Oversight Role for Unmanned Systems

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memo on Monday creating a Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for autonomy, Breaking Defense reported. The role, known as DRPM-UxS, reports directly to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg and places a range of unmanned systems under centralized oversight.

All UAS groups 1-3, autonomous ground vehicles and unmanned surface vessels except the Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel program fall under the DRPM-UxS.

Underwater unmanned vessels will be coordinated with Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher. Unmanned autonomy, artificial intelligence and swarming software programs along with existing unmanned systems marketplaces also move to the new portfolio.

The Defense Innovation Unit will serve as the primary industry engagement interface for programs in the portfolio. The Defense Autonomous Warfare Group and Joint Interagency Task Force 401 become deputy offices under the DRPM-UxS, with JIATF 401 expanding to counter all drone systems regardless of domain.

The DRPM-UxS takes precedence on acquisition matters for UxS programs after the secretary and deputy secretary of war.

The Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment will support execution of those authorities, including streamlined processes. Hegseth wrote in the memo that adversaries collectively produce millions of unmanned systems each year across all domains.

He added that global military unmanned systems production has skyrocketed over the last three years while the United States has been slow to field capabilities at scale.