EXCLUSIVE: Hegseth creates autonomy czar to manage almost all drone efforts

Key Points:

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has established a new Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for autonomy (DRPM-UxS) to centralize and accelerate the Pentagon's unmanned and autonomous systems programs, reporting directly to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg.
• The DRPM-UxS will oversee most unmanned systems across ground vehicles, small air vehicles (UAS groups 1-3), and sea vessels, excluding some major airframes and specific programs like the Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel.
• The role consolidates various autonomy, AI, and swarming software initiatives, with the Defense Innovation Unit acting as the primary industry liaison for these programs.
• Existing offices such as the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group and Joint Interagency Task Force 401 will become deputy offices under the DRPM-UxS, with JIATF-401’s remit expanding to counter all drone systems across domains.
• The DRPM model aims to streamline acquisition and integration efforts across services, inspired by previous DRPM roles like those managing the Golden Dome initiative and key Air Force programs, though no individual has yet been named to lead the new autonomy portfolio.