Exclusive: Hegseth Creates 'Autonomy Czar' to Oversee Nearly All Pentagon Drone and Autonomous Systems
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has established a new 'Autonomy Czar' position at the Pentagon to consolidate oversight of virtually all unmanned and autonomous systems, according to an internal memo obtained exclusively by Breaking Defense. The role covers all unmanned ground vehicles, all small air vehicles (drones), and nearly all unmanned sea vehicles, and will report directly to Deputy Secretary of Defense Stephen Feinberg.
Highlights
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has formally established an 'Autonomy Czar' position at the Pentagon to oversee nearly all unmanned and autonomous vehicle programs across the DoD.
- The role's jurisdiction covers all unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), all small air vehicles (drones), and nearly all unmanned sea vehicles.
- The Autonomy Czar will report directly to Deputy Secretary of Defense Stephen Feinberg, signaling high-level prioritization of autonomous systems integration.
- The creation of the role is seen as the Pentagon's response to longstanding criticism over fragmented drone procurement and a signal of accelerated unmanned transformation.
- Breaking Defense obtained the internal DoD memo exclusively; no appointment to the position has been announced yet.
Exclusive: Hegseth Creates 'Autonomy Czar' to Oversee Nearly All Pentagon Drone and Autonomous Systems
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has formally established an 'Autonomy Czar' position at the Pentagon to coordinate virtually all unmanned and autonomous vehicle programs across the Department of Defense, according to an internal memo obtained exclusively by international defense publication Breaking Defense.
Broad Scope of Authority
According to the memo, the new role's jurisdiction encompasses:
- All Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs)
- All Small Air Vehicles — i.e., drone-related programs
- Nearly all unmanned Sea Vehicles
The move signals the Pentagon's intent to consolidate autonomous systems programs that have historically been fragmented across individual military branches and agencies, with the goal of improving decision-making efficiency and resource integration.
Reports Directly to the Deputy Secretary
The Autonomy Czar will report directly to Deputy Secretary of Defense Stephen Feinberg — a clear indication of the current administration's strong emphasis on autonomous systems integration. Feinberg, co-founder of private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, is regarded as one of the key decision-makers on defense matters within the current administration.
Background and Significance
Drones and autonomous systems have become central to the modern battlefield in recent years, with the conflict in Ukraine underscoring the strategic value of low-cost unmanned platforms. The Pentagon has long faced criticism for bureaucratic fragmentation in its procurement and integration of unmanned systems. The creation of a dedicated Autonomy Czar is being interpreted by observers as a significant signal that the Pentagon is accelerating its push toward unmanned and autonomous transformation.
Breaking Defense has not yet disclosed who will be appointed to the position. Further developments are expected and will be closely watched by the defense industry.
This report is based on an internal Department of Defense memo obtained exclusively by Breaking Defense.
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