Hegseth stands up a new drone office with authority on everything from one-way attack drones to ground robots and boats

Hegseth stands up a new drone office with authority across nearly all U.S. uncrewed systems, aiming to speed procurement and fielding for drone warfare. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon will consolidate drone programs into a single office under a new Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Unmanned Systems (DRPM-UxS). The role will function as “the single joint integrator” for unmanned and autonomous programs across the Department of Defense, reporting to Deputy Secretary Stephen Feinberg. DRPM-UxS oversight spans small drones, surface vessels or drone boats, underwater vessels coordinated with the submarine office, ground robots, AI and autonomy, drone swarming, and counter-drone systems, plus drone marketplaces. However, some major weapons programs with separate acquisition pathways, such as the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft, remain with the services. The office will also cover JIATF 401 and the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group. The move follows a broader push backed by an unprecedented $74 billion request for drones and counter-drone systems.