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What Does SOUTHCOM’s New Autonomous Warfare Command Herald?

May 12, 2026
What Does SOUTHCOM’s New Autonomous Warfare Command Herald?
What Does SOUTHCOM’s New Autonomous Warfare Command Herald?

What Does SOUTHCOM’s New Autonomous Warfare Command Herald?

Gen. Frank Donovan and Ryan Evans
May 12, 2026

Gen. Frank Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command, sat down with Ryan to discuss the vision behind the command’s new Autonomous Warfare Command and what it signals for the future of military operations in the Western Hemisphere. Donovan explains how SOUTHCOM aims to move drones and autonomous systems beyond tactical experimentation and connect them to strategic effect: disrupting cartel networks designated as terrorist organizations, strengthening cooperation with allies and partners, and giving the command new ways to see, decide, and act across a complex region.

This episode was brought to you by NODA. Find out more about our friends at NODA at warontherocks.com/noda

Image: Danette Baso Silvers via DVIDS

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