Replicator Updates from AUVSI: Nov 17, 2023

Welcome back to AUVSI’s biweekly newsletter to keep the uncrewed and autonomous systems industries updated on DOD’s Replicator initiative.

AUVSI Engagement Update

Briefings + RFI

• AUVSI is working with many organizations within DOD to deliver in-person, secret-level briefings next month to industry—by invite only—regarding existing capability gaps, including Replicator.
• In addition, AUVSI submitted the second edition of the RFI to support Replicator. The third edition will be submitted in mid-December.

Capitol Hill Event

• This week, we convened domestic drone manufacturers and lawmakers for a press conference at the U.S. Capitol in support of our Partnership for Drone Competitiveness.
• We also held discussions with lawmakers including Senators Tester (D-MT), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) on new initiatives, including enhanced drone tariffs against China, grant programs, the Department of Defense’s Replicator program, and supply chain constraints. Read more in our press release here.

Replicator News We’re Reading

The AI Of War AFP

• Submarines, boats and planes that are capable of operating autonomously could be a huge boost to reconnaissance, surveillance or logistical support in remote or dangerous environments. Such vehicles are at the heart of the "Replicator" program launched by the Pentagon to counter China's enormous manpower advantage.

Army to set up digital contracting center of excellence Federal News Network, Kirsten Errick

• Harry Wingo , faculty member at the National Defense University, said that digital twins for governance will be helpful. For example, with something like the FITARA scorecard or to see if DoD will be able to meet its goals for its Replicator project, which aims to scale drones within the next two years.

Wars in Ukraine and Mideast Show Why the US Needs to Dominate the Drone Industrial Base The Messenger, Seth Cropsey

• The solution is a series of regulatory mechanisms to protect American markets from Chinese penetration, alongside additional funding for the DIU’s Blue UAS program and the Replicator Initiative in fiscal 2024.
• Meaningful funding and a real federal ban on DJI will not only produce the two-year quantum SUAS leap that Replicator is looking for. It also will jump-start a thriving American drone manufacturing base critical to our national security and, in turn, fuel re-shoring and friend-shoring of advanced battery systems, sensor technologies and microcomputers, and spur the additional AI development necessary to create the next generation of SUAS.

Keeping up with the drones-es Politico

• CNAS’ Paul Scharre gave positive mention to the DoD’s “Replicator” initiative, which will partner with the defense industry to churn out “multiple thousands” of drones per year to counter China’s military. But despite that movement, he still worries that the lumbering giant that is America’s defense industry and bureaucracy can do it fast enough to keep up with the ever-changing future on the battlefield. “The real challenge is going to be can they scale fast,” Scharre said. “And that’s been a big struggle for the Department.”

Our takeaway: Uncrewed systems increasingly define the modern battlefield, and funding are needed to cultivate American supply chain that can support combat needs.

Industry News We’re Tracking

Shield AI Raises Another $200 Million In Funding To Scale V-BAT Autonomous Piloting Software Aviation Today

• The infusion of funding comes as the Defense Department has said it wants to increase the use of low-cost, attritable unmanned systems significantly to help counter China’s military buildup in the Western Pacific region. The Replicator Initiative seeks to buy thousands of these systems starting as soon as 16 months from now. Shield AI

Airbus U.S. Space and Defense Adds New Line of Business in Drones FLYING

• Recently, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks revealed the U.S. Replicator Initiative. Over the next two years, the U.S. will churn out several thousand systems. And Hicks noted that private sector UAS firms, which now include Airbus Defence and Space , will have a major role to play in the effort.

The big picture: Replicator investment in uncrewed and autonomous platforms stands to boost the domestic industrial base, spurring job creation and advanced R&D.

AUVSI's Defense Advocacy Committee advances policies and funding for uncrewed and autonomous systems in the Department of Defense, ensuring the U.S. remains at the forefront of autonomous defense technologies. Learn more or contact Michael Smitsky, Esq.