U.S. Southern Command Launches New Unit for Autonomous and Unmanned Systems
U.S. Southern Command announced the creation of the Autonomous Warfare Command to integrate unmanned systems for countering threats. The initiative, mandated by Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, supports Trump administration objectives in the region. It will collaborate with allies on missions including degrading narcoterrorist networks.
upi.comU.S. Southern Command announced the establishment of a new element for connecting tactical missions to long-term outcomes with unmanned systems on Tuesday, Defense News reported. The development of the Autonomous Warfare Command was mandated by SOUTHCOM Commander Gen.
Francis L. Donovan. The mandate for the Autonomous Warfare Command aims to support the Trump administration’s national security objectives and SOUTHCOM’s operational dominance. Once fully operational, the Autonomous Warfare Command will be tasked with engaging autonomous, semi-autonomous and unmanned platforms to counter threats across domains.
Gen. Francis L. ' The Autonomous Warfare Command will work toward shared purposes with allies and partners in the region, including missions focused on degrading narcoterrorist and cartel networks and responding to national disasters.
SOUTHCOM’s area of responsibility includes the Caribbean, South America and Central America. Gen. Francis L. ' Gen. Francis L. ' SOUTHCOM, military services and the Department of Defense’s Defense Autonomous Warfare Group will collaborate ahead of the Autonomous Warfare Command’s full launch.
The collaboration will ensure that SOUTHCOM integrates the new command into their mission and pinpoints necessary expertise and capabilities for the new command’s commencement. U.S. Space Force officially activated its southern component, formalizing Space Forces Southern’s role in space capabilities across the Western Hemisphere.
Space Command provided space-based capabilities such as satellite communications and position, navigation and timing in the recent high-risk operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Gen.
Francis L. Donovan assumed command of SOUTHCOM after the Maduro raid. Gen. Francis L. Donovan replaced Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey as SOUTHCOM commander. Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey retired last year amid increasing scrutiny over the Trump administration’s deadly strikes on alleged drug boats in the region.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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