The Replicator Program: Pentagon Unveils Massive Plan for UAV Deployment
The US plans to spend billions of dollars on a large-scale project for deploying unmanned systems in various global theaters, focusing on countering the Chinese threat
Dan Arkin
| 25/06/2024
Photo: AeroVironment Instagram page
The U.S. military is preparing to deploy over 1,000 Switchblade 600 UAVs in the coming year as part of the Pentagon's Replicator program, aimed at deploying thousands of unmanned systems in various global theaters.
Deputy Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, General James Mingus, disclosed the number of UAVs—more than 1,000—during testimony over the weekend before the House Appropriations Committee.
The Switchblade 600 is a loitering munition manufactured by AeroVironment, one of many systems the Department of Defense plans to equip as part of the Replicator program. This includes various types of unmanned systems, including maritime, terrestrial, and counter-UAV systems.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks announced the Replicator program in August. Initially, the focus is on deploying a large number of UAVs against the Chinese threat.
In later stages, the plan is to establish a regular process for acquiring technologies that meet the operational needs of the Department of Defense. The Pentagon intends to allocate billions of dollars to this project this year and next.
Switchblade UAVs have already been deployed in combat zones in Russia, Syria, and Iraq. The military announced it will initially acquire 100 UAVs for testing and experimentation in several units across the military.
The US plans to spend billions of dollars on a large-scale project for deploying unmanned systems in various global theaters, focusing on countering the Chinese threat
Photo: AeroVironment Instagram page
The U.S. military is preparing to deploy over 1,000 Switchblade 600 UAVs in the coming year as part of the Pentagon's Replicator program, aimed at deploying thousands of unmanned systems in various global theaters.
Deputy Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, General James Mingus, disclosed the number of UAVs—more than 1,000—during testimony over the weekend before the House Appropriations Committee.
The Switchblade 600 is a loitering munition manufactured by AeroVironment, one of many systems the Department of Defense plans to equip as part of the Replicator program. This includes various types of unmanned systems, including maritime, terrestrial, and counter-UAV systems.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks announced the Replicator program in August. Initially, the focus is on deploying a large number of UAVs against the Chinese threat.
In later stages, the plan is to establish a regular process for acquiring technologies that meet the operational needs of the Department of Defense. The Pentagon intends to allocate billions of dollars to this project this year and next.
Switchblade UAVs have already been deployed in combat zones in Russia, Syria, and Iraq. The military announced it will initially acquire 100 UAVs for testing and experimentation in several units across the military.
