The U.S. Army is advancing its plans to integrate autonomous systems into its operations by 2026. In mid-August, the Army conducted a significant demonstration at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, where soldiers were introduced to the first batch of multipurpose drones known as Launched Effects (LEs). These systems are designed to enhance targeting and surveillance capabilities in challenging terrains, providing a clearer picture of battlefield conditions.
The demonstration, part of the Army’s Launched Effects initiative, showcased systems that can be launched from ground vehicles. Unlike conventional drones or loitering munitions, these autonomous platforms are intended to fulfill various roles, from reconnaissance to kinetic strike. The Army’s approach emphasizes continuous updates to the technology based on feedback from soldiers, marking a departure from traditional procurement processes that typically take years to complete.
According to Col. Danielle Medaglia, the Army’s program manager for uncrewed aircraft systems, the urgency stemming from directives issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been crucial in prioritizing the integration of LEs. Hegseth’s goals include equipping every division with these systems by the end of next year, aiming for “drone dominance” by 2027. This high-level push is expected to expedite the development and deployment of autonomous systems across military units.
Demonstration Focus and Soldier Feedback
The three-week demonstration aimed primarily at gathering soldier feedback regarding the usability and relevance of the initial short-range LEs. In March, the Army selected three off-the-shelf systems to serve as the foundation for this initiative: RTX’s Coyote Block 3, Anduril’s Altius 600, and AEVEX Aerospace’s Atlas. Each of these systems was distributed to three units, allowing soldiers to engage with the technology directly.
Brig. Gen. Cain Baker noted that while prior exercises had involved experiments with LEs, this demonstration marked the first instance where soldiers received hands-on training. The feedback from these operators is expected to inform future operational concepts and doctrine. “Getting that feedback from the soldiers, from the commander in the field, helps us drive industry,” Baker explained.
During the first week, participating units conducted initial training sessions to familiarize themselves with the LEs. This included setup procedures, mission planning integration, and simulated flight exercises. In the following weeks, soldiers transitioned to live operations, applying their training to tactical scenarios. The demonstration was perceived as successful, with Army leaders reporting positive adaptability and enthusiasm from the soldiers.
Future of Autonomous Systems in the Army
The Army plans to leave a number of LEs with the units at Joint Base Lewis-McChord for ongoing training and capability enhancement. The acquisition strategy approved in late July utilizes an urgent capability acquisition pathway, allowing the Army to rapidly update requirements and engage with new vendors. According to Lt. Col. Hunter Gray, this approach will enable the Army to adapt quickly to technological advancements and user feedback.
Maj. Chris Dudley, assistant product manager for Launched Effects, emphasized that this strategy represents a significant shift from conventional acquisition methods. “We’re sort of inverting the process and trying to get it into the soldiers’ hands first,” Dudley noted. This allows for real-world feedback to shape the development of the systems.
As the Army continues to implement this strategy, it is also exploring medium and long-range systems using the same acquisition framework. Army officials have indicated that the recent demonstration will play a vital role in shaping future training plans and operational strategies. The goal is to establish a modular architecture that enhances the versatility of the systems, allowing for seamless integration across various mission profiles.
The ongoing feedback loop between soldiers and developers is crucial for refining how these technologies can best support military operations. Ultimately, the Army aims to ensure that its personnel are not only familiar with the systems but also empowered to innovate and adapt them to meet specific mission requirements. This proactive approach promises to enhance the Army’s operational readiness and effectiveness in the evolving landscape of autonomous warfare.
