Hegseth reveals new military AI and drone command

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the creation of "AutoWarCom," a new military command intended to focus on robotic and drone warfare. Calling it "the fastest peacetime shift in modern military history," Hegseth laid out plans to accelerate purchasing of drones and autonomous aircraft. In a memo released after his speech, the Pentagon clarified it would work with Congress to stand up the command by Oct. 1, 2027, meaning that it will have to be squeezed into the next defense budget request. Hegseth's speech was met with skepticism, and some former Pentagon officials said his campaign to overhaul the military was wearing thin. "The Pentagon isn’t a personal playground in the culture wars, and Republicans facing voters in five weeks shouldn’t have to defend this tomfoolery,” said John Ullyot, a former Pentagon spokesperson. “The president and our troops deserve better.” ----------------------------------------- Subscribe to our channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgjtvMmHXbutALaw9XzRkAg?view_as=subscriber Check out our video catalog: https://www.politico.com/video Follow POLITICO here: ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/ ➤ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/politico/ ➤ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/politico/