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Hegseth Creates Autonomous Warfare Command With $54.6B Budget Request

By Drooid · Oct 1, 2026, 2:15 AM UTC · How we work

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Permanent Four Star Command

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the creation of the Autonomous Warfare Command at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, on September 30, 2026.
The command is designated a permanent four-star combatant command with a $54.6 billion FY2027 budget request to centralize autonomous and robotic capabilities.
Owen West and Navy SEAL Max Strasiser will lead Project Agincourt, a new acquisition prototype.
CTO Emil Michael commissioned Project Meridian, co-directed by Elon Musk, Palmer Luckey and Newt Gingrich.

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Musk Project Meridian

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the creation of the Autonomous Warfare Command at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, on September 30, 2026.
The involvement of Elon Musk and Palmer Luckey raises accountability concerns because of their past defense contracts and controversial histories.
Musk will co-lead Project Meridian, his government role since heading the Department of Government Efficiency.
Project Meridian will produce a 120-day report on battlefield dominance, covering subterranean and lunar environments.

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Permanent Four Star Command

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the creation of the Autonomous Warfare Command at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, on September 30, 2026.
The command is designated a permanent four-star combatant command with a $54.6 billion FY2027 budget request to centralize autonomous and robotic capabilities.
Owen West and Navy SEAL Max Strasiser will lead Project Agincourt, a new acquisition prototype.
CTO Emil Michael commissioned Project Meridian, co-directed by Elon Musk, Palmer Luckey and Newt Gingrich.

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