The Defense Department is currently facing a growing threat from autonomous systems, including aircraft, ground vehicles, and waterborne craft. These systems are proliferating globally, and there is a concern that they could potentially intrude on U.S. military installations. Heidi Shyu, the undersecretary of defense for research and engineering, highlighted the exponential growth of unmanned systems and the need to develop countermeasures to protect military installations and personnel.
Autonomous systems are not limited to just airborne vehicles but also exist in various domains, including air, land, and sea. This poses a challenge for the U.S. military in developing effective strategies to counter these systems while adhering to rules and regulations governing engagement with potential threats. Shyu emphasized the importance of finding solutions that can effectively neutralize autonomous systems without resorting to drastic measures like shooting them down with missiles.
The Defense Department is actively seeking innovative solutions from industry partners to address the growing threat posed by autonomous systems. Shyu stressed the need for integrated solutions that combine multiple capabilities to effectively counter different scenarios involving autonomous systems. This ongoing cat-and-mouse game requires continuous adaptation and innovation to stay ahead of adversaries who may constantly change their tactics and technology.
In addition to countering autonomous systems, the Defense Department is also focusing on addressing challenges in contested logistics, where adversaries aim to disrupt or defeat friendly force logistics operations. This involves ensuring the timely and secure delivery of essential supplies such as food and fuel to troops on the front lines. Shyu highlighted the significance of finding effective solutions to tackle contested logistics issues and emphasized the importance of collaboration with industry partners to develop innovative strategies to overcome these challenges.
