Project Agincourt
Pentagon initiative, run by the unmanned-systems portfolio office, preparing the Autonomous Warfare Command's creation.
Project Agincourt, set out in a Pentagon memo on 30 September 2026, is laying the groundwork for the Autonomous Warfare Command that Pete Hegseth wants running by 1 October 2027, subject to Congress.
Last refreshed: 1 October 2026
Timeline for Project Agincourt
Hegseth plans a four-star drone command
Drones: Industry & DefenceBackground
Project Agincourt is the Pentagon initiative preparing the creation of the Autonomous Warfare Command (AUTOWARCOM). Secretary of War Pete Hegseth described that body as a four-star combatant command with service-like authorities, built to scale autonomous and robotic capabilities across the joint force.
A Pentagon memo released on 30 September gives the project to the Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Unmanned Systems. Defense Innovation Unit director Owen West is its chief executive and Navy SEAL Senior Chief Max Strasiser its chief operating officer, according to The War Zone.
Beyond groundwork for the command, Agincourt is to prototype 'warfighting acquisition', which pairs operators with entrepreneurs in rapid adaptation cycles and moves decisions and money closer to frontline units. Congress must still write the command into law before the October 2027 target.