Key Takeaways
- The US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has established an autonomous warfare command, known as SAWC, to develop a scalable and relatively inexpensive autonomous robotic force.
- The US military is facing challenges due to a decline in its advantage, with too little ordinance and expensive craft, making it difficult to win a protracted war with a near-peer.
- The cost of waging war is becoming increasingly expensive, with estimates suggesting that a short engagement with Iran cost the US around $40 billion, with a cost per target of over $1.9 million.
- Autonomous warfare systems, such as the USX-1 Defiant, a 180-foot, 240-metric-ton Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV), are being developed to address these challenges.
Introduction to Autonomous Warfare
The US military is undergoing a significant transformation with the establishment of the Autonomous Warfare Command (SAWC) by SOUTHCOM. This development is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by the US military, including a decline in its advantage and the high cost of waging war. The SAWC aims to develop a scalable and relatively inexpensive autonomous robotic force that can operate on land, sea, and air.
The Need for Autonomous Warfare
The US military's current state is characterized by a lack of ordinance, expensive craft, and a declining advantage. This makes it challenging to win a protracted war with a near-peer. The cost of waging war is also becoming increasingly expensive, with estimates suggesting that a short engagement with Iran cost the US around $40 billion. The cost per target was over $1.9 million, with some estimates suggesting that the actual cost could be far higher.
Comparison of Autonomous Warfare Systems
| System | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USX-1 Defiant | 180-foot, 240-metric-ton Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) | $100 million - $500 million |
| NOMARS | "No Manning Required Ship" program | $500 million - $1 billion |
| DARPA's Autonomous Systems | Various autonomous systems, including UAVs and UGVs | $100 million - $1 billion |
The Future of Autonomous Warfare
The development of autonomous warfare systems, such as the USX-1 Defiant, is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by the US military. These systems offer a relatively inexpensive and scalable solution to the high cost of waging war. With the establishment of the SAWC, the US military is taking a significant step towards developing a robust autonomous warfare capability.
Bottom Line
The establishment of the Autonomous Warfare Command (SAWC) by SOUTHCOM is a significant development in the US military's efforts to address the challenges it faces. The high cost of waging war and the decline in its advantage make it essential for the US military to develop a scalable and relatively inexpensive autonomous robotic force. With the development of autonomous warfare systems, such as the USX-1 Defiant, the US military is taking a crucial step towards maintaining its advantage in a rapidly changing global landscape.