Welcome back to AUVSI’s biweekly newsletter to keep the uncrewed and autonomous systems industries updated on DOD’s Replicator initiative.
- The Pentagon and Congress are now sufficiently alarmed at how far behind the US trails on manufacturing commercial drones that the American Security Drone Act, which bans federal agencies and contractors from using Chinese drones, was signed into law in December. The Defense Department also introduced a procurement program called Replicator, which is designed to spur homegrown production of drones. These steps should help tilt the playing field back to level.
- The Chinese takeover of the commercial drone industry wasn’t an accident, according to industry trade group AUVSI. With the help of government subsidies, Chinese drones have flooded the global market.
- Alpha-1 will support various autonomy projects across the DoD, including the Replicator initiative. CDAO is in the midst of establishing a data and AI hub to support the Replicator initiative and Alpha-1 is tasked with setting up infrastructure of components of the hub.
- An inaccuracy in the budget request for the Replicator program was revealed by senior defense officials, which arose from an incorrect base budget expectation for the previous fiscal year. The Pentagon confirmed that funds would be allocated to relevant program execution offices.
- In its FY 2025 budget, DOD acknowledges the importance of fielding innovative products at scale by committing $1 billion over two fiscal years to field thousands of autonomous, attritable drones through its flagship Replicator program.
- In February, Doug Beck released a strategy for DIU 3.0. This is the next iteration of an organization originally chartered to serve as a bridge between Silicon Valley and DOD that aims to “rapidly deliver commercially derived capabilities to the warfighter“ in order to “build and sustain enduring advantage.” The FY2024 Defense Appropriations Act gives DIU almost $1 billion to pursue its new strategy.
- These examples showcase how delivering new combat capabilities at speed and scale is a top priority at the highest levels within the department.
- What’s next: Beck will speak about DIU 3.0 and address questions facing the uncrewed systems industrial base, such as: How can organizations like DIU play a key role in fielding dual-use commercial technologies? What opportunities exist for defense agencies to form partnerships with industry? How can industry advance the rapid adoption of uncrewed systems to support the national defense strategy? Learn more.
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11 个月Don't be fooled...AUVSI wants to ban all CCP drones.