#autonomous systems

The U.S. Army is establishing the Futures & Autonomous Systems Command (FASCOM) under a new directive to centralize oversight of autonomous combat systems. FASCOM will direct enterprise development across robotic vehicles, autonomous fires, logistics resupply, and crewed-uncrewed teaming architectures.

The U.S. Air Force evaluated prototype Portable Command and Control Enclaves to manage Collaborative Combat Aircraft from remote ground locations. The capability decentralizes tactical drone control beyond crewed cockpits to support Agile Combat Employment.

NASA has converted 51 specialized engineering positions into civil service roles at its IV&V facility, reinforcing federal technical expertise across autonomous navigation, AI safety, and mission-critical software assurance for high-consequence space programs.

NASA is utilizing the International Space Station as an operational testbed for autonomous robotics, point-of-need medical manufacturing, and human endurance. These microgravity advancements provide essential architectural templates for defense leaders managing logistics and operations in extreme, resupply-constrained environments.

The U.S. Navy has established a Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Robotic and Autonomous Systems to streamline acquisition pathways, accelerate capability fielding, and align uncrewed operational tech across multi-domain fleet operations.