The U.S. military has announced the formation of a new autonomous combat command aimed at deploying advanced unmanned systems throughout Latin America. This move, the first of its kind from a combat command, was revealed by General Francis Donovan, who leads the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).
In a statement made on Tuesday, Donovan mentioned that the establishment of the SOUTHCOM Autonomous Warfare Command is intended to bolster national security efforts and regional collaborations.
“We’re looking at everything from the ocean floor to space, and even the cyberspace area. We’ll leverage America’s defense technology and collaborate more than ever with our long-standing partners in the region to tackle threats to our peace and security,” stated Donovan.
The new command plans to utilize autonomous, semi-autonomous, and unmanned technologies to address challenges and facilitate tactical missions linked to broader strategic goals.
SOUTHCOM also aims to collaborate with regional allies on missions that focus on disrupting drug trafficking networks linked to narco-terrorism and responding to natural disasters.
Donovan emphasized that the region offers a unique opportunity for innovation due to its diverse geography and committed security partners willing to embrace new technologies for regional stability.
The command is under SOUTHCOM’s oversight, which also includes operations in the Caribbean and efforts to combat drug trafficking that threaten U.S. interests.
Recently, the military has conducted multiple airstrikes targeting suspected drug-smuggling vessels as part of the larger initiative to dismantle cartel operations.
In a recent congressional statement, Donovan expressed his intention to incorporate emerging technologies, including unmanned systems and AI, to enhance the collaborative efforts against threats.
Earlier in March, he spoke to the Armed Services Committee about creating a modernized and cost-effective force that would combine autonomous systems and human-machine teamwork to improve operational effectiveness and information sharing with partners.
SOUTHCOM plans to partner with the Army’s Defense Autonomous Warfare Group (DAWG) to ascertain the necessary capabilities for this new force, kickstarting operations aligned with its mission.
