Hegseth outlines plan to seek another $50 billion for autonomous systems

The Pentagon plans to seek about $50 billion to expand production of autonomous and robotic systems. Pete Hegseth outlined the request at the Association of the United States Army meeting in Washington on October 14.

Hegseth described the funding as a one-time investment rather than an annual allocation. He set a goal of hundreds of thousands of one-way attack drones this year, rising to millions in subsequent years.

Interfax and Army Times report that the $50 billion is separate from the main fiscal 2027 budget request. That request includes $53.6 billion for Drone Dominance, covering unmanned systems procurement, counter-drone capabilities, logistics and technology development.

Hegseth also advocated easier access to the defence market for new companies. Alongside products from established contractors, he said the department needs cheaper systems that can be manufactured in large quantities.