DefenseScoop reports that Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks unveiled a plan to scale the deployment of uncrewed and autonomous systems within the U.S. military, “at a scale of multiple 1000’s, in multiple domains,” over the subsequent two years.
This system, called “Replicator,” shall be led by Hicks, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Christopher Grady, and supported by Doug Beck.
Drone advocacy group the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) commented on this system, saying that Replicator may help each the military and industrial drone industry.
“Support for a robust and secure domestic autonomous systems industry represents a strategic imperative in the brand new era of strategic global competition. DoD programs across all domains have identified uncrewed systems as essential tools for strategic deterrence and the long run of warfare, and we applaud Secretary Hicks for taking daring motion to get these tools into the hands of our warfighters,” said Chief Advocacy Officer Michael Robbins.
Along with benefiting the warfighting capabilities of the US, DoD investment in these platforms will boost the domestic industrial base, spurring job creation and advanced research and development.
AUVSI strongly supports the announced goals of Replicator to beat acquisition challenges and swiftly field capable, advanced tools. We’re also heartened to listen to that the initiative will engage DIU and urge DoD to take a position in dual-use industrial and defense systems. AUVSI will proceed to work with the Pentagon and leaders across the service branches and Congress to support programs that deliver the advantages of autonomy to warfighters.”
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